Thirty years ago, the relocation of the church in Most began due to coal mining

ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM/MOST - Thirty years ago, due to coal mining, the relocation of the Gothic church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Most began. "On September 16, 1975, the entire structure was separated from its foundations to move along a prepared track to its new location on September 30," said Ludmila Klimplová, director of this cultural monument in Most, to ČTK.
The church staff prepared an Open House for this weekend to commemorate the anniversary of the relocation's start. The admission fee, which normally costs 40 crowns, was free on Saturday and Sunday. "Visitors truly took advantage of this opportunity," noted Klimplová. The significant interest was also boosted by the traditional Mostecké celebrations, which were held for the first time this year on the monument's grounds. Most of the people who came to the celebrations did not miss the chance to visit the church as well. The relocated monument is visited by up to 10,000 visitors each year.
The late Gothic temple in Most was built between 1517 and 1549 on the site of a medieval church that burned down in 1515. The construction marked the end of a 300-year development of Gothic architecture in the Czech lands.
In 1971, a decision was made to relocate the church away from the expanding surface coal mining. The actual relocation began on September 30 and was completed on October 28, 1975. The church, weighing 15,000 tons, was successfully moved to a new location 841 meters away. The transfer at that time cost 135 million crowns. According to experts, it was a unique technical operation worldwide. However, the historic city of Most did not share the same fortune as the church and completely disappeared due to coal mining. It was replaced by new construction outside the surface mining area.
Heritage protectors have sought for the relocated church to become a national cultural monument. So far, they have not succeeded. The sanctuary, which belongs to the state, still holds "only" the status of a cultural monument.
In 1988, after the relocation, the church was opened as an exhibition hall: without bells, altar, crosses, and other church items. After 1989, it was possible to return these items to the church, and in June 1993, it could be consecrated again. Religious services, church weddings, and midnight masses on Christmas Eve are held here.
Eliška Cesarová

> CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN MARY - relocated Gothic church