From the Holar i Haltadal information board: 'The bishopric at Holar was founded in 1106 to serve the northern part of Iceland. There had been a church here since the 11th Century. A seminary was established at Holar in the 12th Century. Teaching there ended in 1801 when the two bishoprics were joined, a single bishop henceforth residing in Reykjavik. The present church was built in 1759-63, using red sandstone from the neighbouring mountain. The previous churches were built of wood, with the exception of one 14th Century stone church, which was never completed. Since 1986, Holar has been the seat of the suffragan bishop. A college of agriculture has been located here since 1882.'