The church was abandoned and partially submerged when the Pchelina Reservoir was created in the 1970s for the cooling system of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant.
The name 'Letni' translates to 'Summer,' referencing the Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist celebrated on June 24th.
The structure is built from massive stone blocks, which allowed it to withstand long-term exposure to water and moisture.
Recent stabilization efforts have aimed to preserve the roof and exterior walls against structural collapse.
Pchelina Reservoir covers an area of approximately 3 square kilometers at full capacity.
The Chapel of St. John Letni, also known as the Sunken Church, is located within the Pchelina Reservoir near the village of Potsarnentsi, Bulgaria. Originally part of the village of Pchelintsi, the church was built in 1350 and served as the focal point of a community that was entirely submerged in the 1970s during the construction of the reservoir dam. While most of the village was destroyed to clear the basin, the chapel was preserved due to its stone construction and historical significance. The structure is now frequently surrounded by water, though water levels fluctuate significantly depending on the season and dam usage. It remains a rare example of medieval Bulgarian religious architecture surviving in a post-industrial landscape. The interior features remnants of 14th-century frescoes, though they are heavily weathered by exposure to humidity and the elements.
The elevated ridge overlooking the reservoir provides a panoramic view of the chapel centered within the water.
Wear waterproof hiking boots or trail shoes, as the ground around the reservoir bank can be muddy.
Bring binoculars if you visit during high water levels when the chapel is completely surrounded by the reservoir.
Check local weather reports, as the site is fully exposed and offers no shelter from rain or high winds.
Do not attempt to swim to the chapel if the water level is high and the current is strong; stay on the marked trails.
Accessible year-round, though the structure may be unreachable by foot during peak water capacity in late spring.
Maintain a respectful tone as the building remains a consecrated site; do not deface the interior walls or leave litter.
