Cart 0
OrCam MyEye 3 Pro - when technology gives independence back to people with low vision
There are places that look like something out of a fairy tale. But not from those cheerful and colourful fairy tales, but from those quiet, a bit sad, but unforgettable stories. Such a place is the Submerged Church in the Zhrebchevo Dam.
This year we decided to go from Sunny Beach to Sofia along the "old road" - also known as the "Podbalkanska". Izzy was with us, we wanted to have more options for stops and short walks. And on the last day of the holiday, the highways are always very busy, we wanted to save ourselves the long wait in mile-long queues.
So, coming home, near Kazanlak we saw a sign "The Submerged Church" and abruptly changed direction. We had heard that it shows up out of the water only sometimes. And, as it turned out - it was one of those times!
A village under water...
The Church "St. John of Rila" is all that is left of the former village Kindle. In the 1960s, when the construction of the Zhrebchevo dam began, the state made a decision: three villages - Zapalnya, Dolno Panicherevo and Zhrebchevo - would be flooded. People were displaced, houses were demolished. But the church? It remained.
Why? According to some - because its walls were too strong. According to others - because no one dared to push it. And maybe - because history knew that one day it would have to remind of everything lost.
When we got there, the view was... magical. The church stands in the middle of the dry riverbed, surrounded by stones, cracked and without a roof, but so real and strong. The sun crept through its windows, and the shadows on its walls told old stories. I didn't need much color to feel its beauty.
We walked around it, took pictures, were silent (something that rarely happens with me 😄) and just watched. It's hard to imagine that there was once life bubbling under your feet - with homes, people, celebrations and bells ringing.
Why is the "Immersed Church" important?
It was built in 1891.
Survives over 130 years despite water, time and oblivion
Today is a symbol of memory, of faith and that not everything can be drowned
Facts about the "Sunken Church"
It was built in 1891. - by local stonemasons and villagers from the village of Zapalnya. It was the centre of spiritual life in the village.
It survived the submersion of the village - in 1965, when the filling of the Zhrebchevo dam began. Most of the buildings were destroyed beforehand, but the church remained.
Its walls are thick and resistant - its strength is the reason why it is not easily demolished. And perhaps it was the faith of the people that preserved it.
Displayed only at low water level - sometimes completely, sometimes partially. There are years when it is not visible at all.
No roof, icons or furniture - everything has been carried away or destroyed over time, but the walls have stood unshaken for over 130 years.
Often a place for photos, drawing and... silence - Artists, photographers and travelers love it. There's more than a sense of landscape - there's a sense of memory.
Not declared a monument of culture, but many people believe it should be protected.
I learned that many people come here to see it. Some leave a pebble or a flower. Others just keep quiet. I... I memorized the sound of the wind through her windows. And I thought I'd paint her - just as I saw her.
📸 My mom helped me upload some pictures from this place. If you happen to pass by the Zrebchevo dam - drop by. Even if you don't see the church - you'll feel it's there. Still.
