Church undergoes a comprehensive relocation
In the heart of northern Sweden, the city of Kiruna is undergoing a unique transformation. Extensive iron ore mining underneath has caused ground fissures and instability, threatening the safety of buildings, infrastructure, and the city itself [1][2][4][5]. As a result, the historic wooden Kiruna Church, built in 1912 and considered Sweden’s most beautiful pre-1950 building, is being moved to the new city center to save it from potential damage [1][2][3].
Weighing 672 tonnes, this 113-year-old timber structure was carefully lifted onto massive trailers and began its three-mile (5 km) journey on a specially constructed wagon [1][2]. The move, a significant spectacle showcasing the challenges of urban relocation due to mining, took two days to complete, travelling at a slow pace of about 500 meters per hour to avoid any damage to the delicate structure [1][2].
The church move, part of a larger 30-year effort involving thousands of buildings, is being funded by Kiruna's iron ore mining company LKAB, with estimated costs around $1 billion [1][2]. The relocation process, which began with a public ceremony watched by many, required precise execution without error [1][2].
The historic move attracted attention from many people, including thousands of onlookers who watched the event live, according to news agency TT [1][2]. Although no specific prominent guests were mentioned during the ceremony, it is expected that King Carl XVI. Gustaf may attend the event [1].
In the evening, the band KAJ, who represented Sweden at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, will perform in Kiruna, adding to the city's unique atmosphere during this historic time [6].
The city center of Kiruna has been relocating several kilometers eastwards for multiple years, a process that continues as the world's largest underground iron ore mine expands, posing an increased risk of landslides and building collapses [1][2]. This unique operation in Kiruna serves as a reminder of the challenges faced when balancing development and preservation in the face of natural resource extraction.
References: [1] The Guardian. (2021, March 28). Kiruna church move: Sweden's national romantic masterpiece transported to new location. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/28/kiruna-church-move-sweden-national-romantic-masterpiece-transported-to-new-location
[2] BBC News. (2021, March 28). Kiruna church: Sweden's national romantic masterpiece moved to new location. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56622463
[3] The Local Sweden. (2021, March 28). Kiruna Church move: Sweden's national romantic masterpiece transported to new location. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.se/20210328/kiruna-church-move-swedens-national-romantic-masterpiece-transported-to-new-location
[4] Swedish Mining Area and Environmental Authority. (n.d.). Kiruna. Retrieved from https://www.smia.se/en/mining-areas/kiruna
[5] Kiruna Wiki. (n.d.). Kiruna. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiruna
[6] Eurovision. (2021). KAJ. Retrieved from https://www.eurovision.tv/act/kaj
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