Episode BG23. Chapel “St. John the Forerunner” at Pchelina Reservoir
Hello, Bulgaria! 🇧🇬
The chapel “St. John Letni” is a small, but extremely picturesque temple, located on a rocky promontory above the Pchelina dam, near the village of Poternentsi. Lonely and towering over the waters, it gives the impression of holiness frozen in time. Often described as one of the most photogenic locations in Bulgaria, the chapel impresses with its panoramic position, the symbolism of its name and the mystical atmosphere, especially at sunset. Easily accessible on foot or by all-terrain vehicle, it is often the subject of pilgrimage and photography trips.
💡 Other interesting places nearby:
BG22. Medieval Fortress Krakra in Pernik
👉 References to other episodes:
None
📌 What will we look at in this article?
📝 Episode Summary
🔥 The most interesting moments
⭐ Location assessment
✅ Final conclusion
📝 Brief summary of the episode
The chapel was built in 1995 and bears the name of St. John Letny – a Bulgarian saint and archbishop from the 13th century, canonized for his fight against heresies. Its location is not accidental – the temple is placed in a place with a strong energetic radiation, where an ancient shrine probably once existed. It was built with donations, and the interior frescoes are painted in a traditional style. Although small, the chapel radiates spiritual power, and the view of the expanse of water gives a sense of eternity.
🔥 What will you see in this episode?
We tell you about one of the most memorable chapels in the country – elevated above the water expanse of the Pchelina dam, where one is left alone with the silence and the spaciousness. The story of St. John Letny is woven into the atmosphere of this place, making it a kind of spiritual landmark. We enter the small sanctuary, touch the stony silence and follow the horizon line where religion, nature and emotion merge into one.
In the episode, we are told about the Church of St. John Letni”, located above the Pchelina dam, on the site of the submerged village of Pchelintsi. Access is possible by car to the end of the village of Poternentsi, and then you walk about 2 km – the route is easy and suitable even for families with small children. It is indicated that the terrain is also passable for all-terrain vehicles. We share interesting historical facts – the dam is artificial, over 18 meters deep and surrounded by remains of ancient settlements from the Neolithic, Antiquity and the Middle Ages. The church itself was built in 1350 with a slab on the threshold and the frescoes date from the 16th century. The architecture is typical of the time – single-aisled, with a vaulted ceiling and stone roof laid on shallow foundations. We are also talking about the tragic Battle of Velbezhda in 1330, in which thousands of Bulgarian soldiers died – bones and skulls were found in the area for a long time. This is where the name of the nearby village of Lobuš comes from. Natural beauty, archaeology, history and memory of dramatic events are intertwined in the episode.
⭐ Location assessment
The assessment is entirely based on my personal impression and is made according to several main criteria considered separately. I use a 5-point scale where (1/5 – Very bad, 2/5 – Bad, 3/5 – Average, 4/5 – Good, 5/5 – Excellent)
| Criterion | Personal impression | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility 🚗 |
Park outside the village and walk about 2 km (~40 minutes) along a dirt road. Only an all-terrain vehicle goes directly to the site. It is suitable but requires effort. | ★★★☆☆ |
| History 📜 |
The church dates back to the 14th century and is the only survivor of the submerged village of Pchelintsi. The frescoes are original from the 16th century and the place keeps the memory of the displaced families. | ★★★★☆ |
| Condition 🛠️ |
The roof is stable, but the plaster is peeling and some of the frescoes are fading. There has been no restoration in recent years, but the structure is holding up. | ★★★☆☆ |
| Conveniences 🚻 |
There are no toilets, benches or shelters. There is only a stone resting place and a makeshift icon in the chapel. Visitors should bring everything they need with them. | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Price 💰 |
The visit is free of charge. The place is not commercialized and offers an authentic experience in nature and silence. | ★★★★★ |
★★★☆☆
✅ Conclusion
The chapel “St. John Letni” does not impress with size or architectural details – it impresses with the feeling. Isolated, hushed and powerful at the same time, it has become a symbol of inner peace and revelation. You don’t have to believe to feel something special here. The panorama, the water and the stone speak for themselves. And if you hit a sunset – it will remember you, not just you it.
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