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

In anticipation of Christmas - Bulgarian towns and cities in Christmas decorations

The lights of Christmas decorations are brightening up many streets, squares and urban places in towns and cities across Bulgaria. The park in front of the National Palace of Culture in central Sofia has become a Christmas bazaar. Many decorated..

published on 12/20/24 7:01 PM

Sofia wakes up to first snow for the winter

The Bulgarian capital woke up to heavy snowfall and a blanket of snow. Sofia Airport is functioning normally in winter conditions, the press centre of the airport told the Bulgarian news agency BTA. De-icing procedures of the airplanes are..

published on 11/12/24 12:12 PM

An autumn walk along the cobblestone streets of the village of Leshten

Autumn gives a special charm to the village of Leshten, hidden in the slopes of the western Rhodopes. Its stone walls stand out at the backdrop of the feast of colors in nature around and preserve the cosiness of the Bulgarian..

published on 11/7/24 3:30 PM