Stjórnarráð Íslands

The Stjórnarráð building stands out with its plain, white walls and simple, dark-tiled roof, an austere appearance that defines the heart of Icelandic government. Originally built in seventeen seventy-seven to serve as a prison, the structure failed to hold many inmates because the walls were too thin. By the time Iceland gained home rule in nineteen oh four, the converted cells became the offices for the country's first ministers. Today, it houses the Prime Minister’s Office, keeping the small nation’s administration under one roof.