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Water leak in Mariakirken in Bergen

Mariakirken in Bergen. Photo : Marit Hommedal / SCANPIX

Water leak in Mariakirken in Bergen

Large amounts of water flowed Friday morning through the ceiling and across the floor into the church’s main vestibule of Mariakirken in Bergen.


It happened when the sprinkler system on the second floor of the church was triggered just after 7 o’clock. The water has damaged several valuable paintings and a special ship hanging on the ceiling of the church.

“This is a disaster. This is a very special building with special values. This should not have happened,” says church building manager Arne Tveit to Bergens Tidende.

According to NRK, who first reported the case, it was the church ship that took the most damage.

Tveit was visiting on Friday morning, and he does not think there should be serious damage to the building.

“The fire department managed to rescue most of the paintings. We think the ship could be rescued. We must make sure to dry it properly,” says Tveit.

Renovations

Mariakirken underwent renovations for years. It opened after a new refurbishment in 2015, after being restored for NOK 130 million.

A total of 14 firefighters have been inside and worked to stop the water and to help dry up as soon as possible.

“We do not believe that irreparable damage has been done to the art, but it is too early to say what damage the water has done,” says Tveit.

Mariakirken has special meaning in Bergen. The church was built in the 12th century and is the oldest preserved building in Bergen.


© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
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