Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria in pictures

The submerged church at the village of Zapalnia

The church of St. John of Rila (Ivan Rilski) was built by Tryavna craftsmen at the end of the 19th century in the former village of Zapalnya. In 1965, the village was submerged because of the newly built dam Zhrebchevo. Its inhabitants were ordered to tear down their houses and leave the village.  

The only intact building is the church. Because it is located on a hill, it remains partly above the surface of the water.  

In the summer, the level of the dam drops and exposes the building, but the water has marked the shell-covered facade.  

Due to its mystical, solitary beauty, the submerged church of Zhrebchevo Dam is a favorite site for photographers. 

Photo: Maria Stoeva



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Breathtaking views from Cherni vrah Peak

The residents of Sofia and the guests of the Bulgarian capital are "privileged" with a mountain only a stone's throw away from the city centre. In less than 30 minutes, using the Simeonovo-Aleko cable car and the two chairlifts "Vitoshko Lale 1" and..

published on 9/28/23 10:49 PM

The village of Yagodina - “Eagle’s Eye” sightseeing platform

The “Eagle’s Eye” sightseeing platform in the Rhodope Mountains offers an astounding view. The popular tourist attraction is a platform located on a cliff above the village of Yagodina, at an altitude of 1,563 meters above sea level...

published on 8/21/23 12:30 PM

A holiday by the sea

At the height of summer, and with temperatures hitting sizzling highs, everyone wants to spend time by the sea. Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast has a lot to offer in summer besides beaches – sporting activities, cultural tourism, natural..

published on 7/28/23 3:09 PM