Town's Church on the Move Due to Landslide Risk

In the heart of Sweden's northernmost city, Kiruna, an extraordinary event is unfolding. The Kiruna kyrka, voted the most beautiful building in Sweden in 2001, is being moved a few kilometers eastwards. This monumental task, which began long ago, is expected to be completed by midday on Wednesday.

The Kiruna kyrka, built in 1912, is a symbol of Kiruna and a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. The church, weighing 672 tonnes, is a masterpiece of the national romantic style, blending influences from Norwegian stave churches and the indigenous Sami Koters. It lies in the traditional settlement area of the Sami people, adding a unique cultural significance to its relocation.

The move is being broadcast live by Swedish television, allowing the nation to witness this historic event. The church is being transported using a specially constructed vehicle, a sight that is drawing excitement from the residents of Kiruna. Along with the church, dozens of shops, public facilities like schools and the hospital, and approximately 6,000 residents, which is about a third of the city's population, will also be moved.

Kiruna is undergoing a significant transformation due to the world's largest underground iron ore mine, which increases the risk of landslides and building collapses. As a result, the city is being relocated eastwards, a process expected to be completed by 2035.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has commented on the church's relocation, stating that it symbolises respect for the country's cultural heritage and the importance of Sweden's mining industry. The spectacle of the church's relocation is expected to be witnessed by several notable figures, including King Carl XVI. Gustaf and project leader Kjell Olovsson, who is satisfied with the progress of the "Great Church Move."

The events surrounding the church's relocation are not limited to the moving itself. A performance by a Sami choir and the fun band KAJ, who represented Sweden at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, are among the events accompanying the move.

As the clock ticks closer to midday on Wednesday, the residents of Kiruna and the nation await the conclusion of this remarkable chapter in Swedish history. The identity of the person expected to witness the spectacle of the Kiruna church transport is not specified in the available information. However, one thing is certain - the Kiruna kyrka, a beacon of Swedish culture and beauty, will continue to stand tall, in a new location, symbolising the resilience and determination of the people of Kiruna.