Church begins two-day journey across Swedish city
5 days ago
- #Sweden
- #Historic
- #Relocation
- A 113-year-old church in Kiruna, Sweden, is being relocated 5km to a new city center due to ground subsidence caused by iron ore mining.
- The relocation process involves moving the entire church structure, weighing 672 tonnes, on giant trailers at a speed of 500m per hour, expected to take two days.
- The church, once voted Sweden's most beautiful pre-1950 building, is being moved intact, supported by steel beams and modular transporters.
- The move is part of a larger city relocation project funded by LKAB, Kiruna's biggest employer, costing over 10bn Swedish krona.
- The church's interior treasures, including a royal altar painting and a 1,000-pipe organ, are being protected during the move.
- The relocation is a significant emotional event for the community, serving as a spiritual center and gathering place for generations.
- Swedish television is broadcasting the move live as 'slow TV,' highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the event.