Basilica of the Holy Mother of God Eleusa, Nesebar, Byzantine church in Nesebar, Bulgaria.
The Basilica of the Holy Mother of God Eleusa is a Byzantine church in Nesebar featuring three naves, each with its own apse, plus a narthex entry space. The structure also has two smaller apses on the north and south sides that complement the main architectural design.
This church was built in the 6th century as part of a monastery complex and remained in use until the 14th century. An earthquake in that era caused the northern section to sink and gradually disappear.
The name Eleusa comes from Byzantine tradition and means 'the Tender', reflecting how medieval Bulgarian Orthodox Christians honored the Virgin Mary. This title still shapes how visitors understand the spiritual purpose of this ancient place of worship.
The site is easy to reach and comfortable walking shoes are recommended since the ruins are uneven and some areas are near the water's edge. Local information signs help with orientation, and it's useful to check current access conditions before visiting to understand which areas are safely viewable.
What makes this site remarkable is that the northern portion and central nave now lie underwater in the Black Sea, a result of geological shifts over centuries. From the shore, visitors can see how part of this medieval structure has been slowly claimed by the water, creating an unusual connection between ancient architecture and nature.
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