Reykjavik Junior College, Reykjavik

Reykjavik Junior College (Menntaskólinn í Reykjavík) stands as the oldest high school in Reykjavík. Its roots can be traced back to the year 1056 when a school was first established in Skálholt. Remarkably, it remains one of the most venerable educational institutions in Iceland. In 1786, the school was relocated to Reykjavík, yet due to subpar housing conditions, it had to move once more in 1805, finding a new home near Reykjavík at Bessastaðir.

By 1846, the school found its permanent residence at its present location, where a new building was constructed in Reykjavík. This building held the distinction of being the largest in the country during its time and is even featured on the 500 Icelandic krona bill. Initially, it served as a meeting place for the National Parliament when it resumed its sessions in Reykjavík following a hiatus of a few years. It was within these walls that Jón Sigurðsson, a prominent leader in the quest for Icelandic independence, led the members of Parliament in their famous declaration, 'Vér mótmælum allir' (We all protest).

Given its rich and storied history, this building holds a significant place as a crucial historical landmark in the country.