The statue of Leif Eiríksson (1930), who "discovered" America, guards the entrance to Reykjavík's landmark church. Its white façade is reminiscent of glaciers and its dynamic curves imitate the columnar basalt that surrounds Svartifoss - the Black Falls - (south of the island). Gudjón Samúelsson (1887-1950) designed the church, on which building work began in 1946; it opened progressively from 1974 to 1986. Superb views of the capital from the 73m-high steeple.