Croatia Takes Down Cathedral Spire Damaged in Quake

The first spire was toppled during the earthquake, and the second, which was significantly damaged, on expert recommendations, was partly removed weeks ago.

A small amount of explosive was put on the spire to separate it from the cathedral building and it was then lowered to the ground by a crane.

The plan was to remove the spire on Thursday, but the timing had to be rescheduled owing to strong wind. On Thursday, Archbishop Josip Bozanic of Zagreb blessed the damaged cathedral and the workers at the construction site.

On March 22, the capital awoke to scenes of chaos, with rubble littering the streets and frightened residents having to be evacuated from their homes. The 5.3-magnitude earthquake, the worst in 140 years, struck just north of Zagreb. One person died and dozens more were injured.

A crane used to remove one of the spires of the Zagreb Cathedral in Zagreb, Croatia. Photo: EPA-EFE/ANTONIO BAT.

A crane used to remove one of the spires of the Zagreb Cathedral in Zagreb, Croatia. Photo: EPA-EFE/ANTONIO BAT.

Workers use a crane to remove one of the spires of the Zagreb Cathedral in Zagreb. Photo: EPA-EFE/ANTONIO BAT.

A crane near the damaged cathedral in Zagreb. Photo: EPA-EFE/ANTONIO BAT

A man wearing a face mask looks at the damaged cathedral in Zagreb. Photo: EPA-EFE/ANTONIO BAT.

Archbishop Josip Bozanic of Zagreb blesses the damaged cathedral, April 16, 2020. Photo: EPA-EFE/ANTONIO BAT.