Delving into the past: Utah's most visited attraction is temple square, a meticulously landscaped 35-acre block in the heart of downtown salt lake city.

• Position: Play

Historic buildings, libraries, a museum and the Conference Center, along with landscaped open spaces, have been added to the original 10-acre block, creating the 35 acres comprising today's Temple Square.

The centerpiece is the magnificent Salt Lake Temple, a six-spired granite edifice, which took Mormon pioneers 40 years to complete. The unique domed Tabernacle, built in 1867, is home to the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Organ recitals are presented daily and the public is invited to choir rehearsals on Thursday evenings and Sunday morning broadcasts of Music and the Spoken Word, which is the longest running continual network radio broadcast in the world.

Travelers who have layovers at the Salt Lake International Airport can take a free shuttle to Temple Square and take a tour while waiting for their next flight.

Temple Square includes two visitor centers where people can learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through art galleries and interactive exhibits. The North Visitors' Center features an 11-foot replica of Thorvaldsen's Christus statue. Exhibits at the South Visitors' Center include a scaled model of the Salt Lake Temple, providing a glimpse inside the historic building. In the southwest corner of the Square, is the Assembly Hall, which hosts free concerts and recitals on weekends.

Complimentary tours of Temple Square are offered in more than 40 languages.

of interest: visitor activities

FROM A BIRD'S...