Historic Gothenburg Church Clock Repairs Underway
Sweden's sole bell foundry is restoring Vasakyrkan's historic clock after a lightning strike silenced it last August. The Gothenburg landmark's repair involves custom-made parts and specialized craftsmanship. Residents await the return of the familiar chimes that normally mark time in the Vasa district.
Lightning struck Vasakyrkan church in Gothenburg last August. The tower clock stopped at five past twelve. The church bells fell silent. Now Sweden's only bell foundry from Ystad is fixing the historic timepiece. Service technician Panjapol Kempe described the process. He said each repair presents a unique puzzle. The Vasa district landmark dates back to 1909. Its neo-Gothic tower dominates Gothenburg's skyline. Church officials confirmed the repairs should conclude by month's end. The bell foundry maintains historic clocks nationwide. Gothenburg residents have missed the regular chimes. How do you repair a century-old clock mechanism? Specialists must craft replacement parts by hand. This reflects Sweden's commitment to preserving cultural heritage. The extensive repairs highlight practical challenges of maintaining historic buildings.