Zhrebchevo Reservoir, Water reservoir in central Bulgaria

The Zhrebchevo Reservoir is an earth-fill dam on the Tundzha in central Bulgaria, its 791-metre crest carrying a road and ending at a five-gate spillway. The dam is 50.5 metres high, and two slender intake towers rise from the water behind it. The reservoir covers about 25 km² and feeds the Middle Tundzha irrigation system.

Built between 1964 and 1969, the dam flooded the villages of Zhrebchevo, Zapalnya and Dolno Panicherevo; Zhrebchevo gave the reservoir its name. In Zapalnya all buildings were demolished except the church of St Ivan Rilski, whose ruin still rises from the water. Remains of a Roman fortress were uncovered near the dam.

The reservoir takes its name from the village of Zhrebchevo, submerged when the dam was built. In the flooded village of Zapalnya, all buildings were demolished except the church of St. Ivan Rilski, whose ruin still rises from the water and lies fully above the surface in summer.

The area works well for walking and observing the landscape, especially in spring and autumn when temperatures are milder. Access is via paved roads, and some sections allow entry to the shore zones.

When water levels are low, the partly submerged church emerges again and allows visitors to step inside. The walls still carry traces of old frescoes, though they spent decades underwater.