Church Shifting Historically in Kiruna, Sweden
The historic red wooden church in Kiruna, Sweden, was carefully moved on August 19 and 20, marking a significant step in the city's relocation process. This 113-year-old structure, weighing 672 tons and spanning 40 meters, was transported 5 kilometers (3 miles) at a speed of half a kilometer per hour (500 meters per hour).
The move was a complex operation, requiring the widening of roads, dismantling of lamp posts, and the removal of a bridge to allow passage. The mining company LKABH covered the costs of the church's transport, which amounted to approximately 44.5 million euros.
The Kiruna church, one of the most beautiful buildings in Sweden, is a combination of various architectural styles and boasts motifs inspired by the Sami, the indigenous people of the region. Inside, the church's interior is adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant frescoes.
The move was necessary due to the Kiruna iron ore mine, one of the largest in Europe, making the ground in the city unstable in places, posing a risk of collapse. The church was moved to a newly developed city center, away from the mining operations.
This move is part of a larger citywide relocation project. A total of 23 cultural buildings are being moved to safer ground, as Swedish law prohibits mining under existing buildings, and mining-related fissures have made the old city center unsafe. The entire city relocation is estimated to cost around 850 million euros and is expected to continue until 2035.
The Kiruna church move is not the first cultural monument move in the city. In fact, 23 other monuments have already been moved as part of the citywide relocation. The church's move is seen as a particularly symbolic step, as the city of 18,000 inhabitants navigates this unprecedented transformation.
King Carl XVI Gustaf attended the official ceremonies, including a blessing by the local vicar and bishop, marking the successful completion of the church's relocation. The church now stands proudly in its new location, a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Kiruna.
[1] BBC News. (2021, August 20). Sweden's Kiruna church moved to new location. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58049172
[2] The Local Sweden. (2021, August 20). Kiruna church moved to new location amid large crowds and official ceremonies. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.se/20210820/kiruna-church-moved-to-new-location-amid-large-crowds-and-official-ceremonies
[3] The Guardian. (2021, August 20). Sweden's Kiruna church moved to new location after 113 years. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/20/swedens-kiruna-church-moved-to-new-location-after-113-years
[4] The New York Times. (2021, August 20). Sweden's Kiruna Church Moved to New Location. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/20/world/europe/kiruna-church-sweden.html
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