Pchelina Reservoir

Pchelina Reservoir is an artificial water body in Pernik Province that collects water from the Struma and Svetlya rivers to supply the surrounding region. The body of water has a substantial shoreline and reaches considerable depths throughout most of its basin.

The reservoir was built in 1975, which resulted in the flooding of the village of Pchelintsi that previously occupied the area below the water. This construction marked a turning point in how water resources were managed in the region.

The medieval church of Saint John the Baptist stands perched on a rock above the water, showing how faith has been part of this landscape for centuries. Visitors can see how the church remains an active spiritual landmark for the surrounding communities.

The reservoir is accessible from surrounding towns and villages, with walking paths and viewpoints available from different locations around the shoreline. The site is open year-round, though water levels vary depending on the season.

The sediment layers at the bottom of the reservoir hold chemical records of environmental changes over time, with deposits that researchers can trace back decades. This natural archive helps scientists study long-term patterns of air and water pollution in the region.