Things to see in Salt Lake City

Towering above Temple Square, the Mormon Temple is one of the most striking sights of Salt Lake City. The tallest of its six spires reaches 64m (210ft) and is topped by a statue of the Angel Moroni leafed in gold. Construction began in 1853, and the temple took 40 years to complete. The enormous blocks of granite used in its construction were hauled here by oxen from a local quarry in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The foundation walls are 4.8m (16ft) thick and 4.8m (16ft) deep. The temple’s interior is closed to the public and is only accessible to practising Mormons during religious ceremonies.

Proving that it’s not all mountains and Mormons, Salt Lake City has gained a reputation in recent years as a flourishing artistic centre. The Utah Museum Of Fine Arts, housed in a specially designed building on the University of Utah campus, hosts a wealth of world-class exhibitions alongside a permanent collection of over 17,000 objects from across the globe. Displays include Greek and Egyptian antiquities, works from the Italian Renaissance, lithography and photography from 20th century America and primitive art objects from Asia and South America. As well as over 20 separate galleries, the museum houses a café, bookshop, education centre and a fine sculpture garden.

A triangle of historic homes, built by settlers in the late 19th century, this picturesque district lies west of the State Capitol. The district and many of its streets are named for the fruit-bearing trees planted by the early settlers here. The area is distinguished by its steep narrow and angular streets lined with charming early period properties in an eclectic variety of styles.No specific houses are open to the public but the area makes for a pleasant and evocative stroll.

This park commemorates the place where the first Mormon pioneers ended their 2,080km (1,300-mile) trek across America. It is named after This Is the Place Monument, erected in 1947 to commemorate the centennial of Brigham Young's decision to settle there. The park contains Heritage Village, a recreation of a pioneer village from the mid 19th century, with reconstructed general store, bank and other buildings and actors in period costume demonstrating ways of life from the pioneer era. Brigham Young's original farmhouse, renovated with period furnishings, is also situated here.