Pasarel Reservoir, reservoir in Bulgaria
Pasarel Reservoir is a water storage basin in Bulgaria near the village of Dolni Pasarel, roughly 20 kilometers southeast of Sofia in a valley at about 700 meters in elevation. Water flows into it from an upstream hydroelectric plant through underground tunnels and exits through pipes leading to another power station, creating a linked system for electricity generation and water management.
The Pasarel Reservoir was built as part of a hydroelectric project to store water and generate electricity, a strategy for the region to manage river flow. Its construction was part of a larger effort to use the Iskar system efficiently by capturing tailwater from power plants and serving multiple purposes in a single valley.
The reservoir sits near the monastery of St. Peter and Pavel, which has served for centuries as a place of prayer and reflection for the local community. The dam and its surroundings blend with the natural landscape, showing how the area has evolved to balance human needs with its setting.
The area is relatively easy to reach since it sits about 20 kilometers from Sofia, making it a convenient day trip option. It is best to stay on marked paths and respect the quiet space, as the location primarily serves water management and energy generation functions.
The reservoir is fed not by surface sources but by tailwater from an upstream power plant channeled through underground tunnels, revealing hidden infrastructure beneath the landscape. This concealed arrangement keeps the area quiet and understated despite being part of a large energy system.
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