Here are some submerged churches that have a huge legacy and beauty that is unavoidable in your trip. Some of them are built 4-5 centuries old which ended up as lonely isles of destruction. From Macedonia to Germany, Russia, and Brazil, the construction of dams and reservoirs leaves churches under water. Today, after so many years they attract travelers with a passion for the unusual.
The Church in Mavrovo, Macedonia
The “St. Nicholas” church was built in 1850. The church stood by the Macedonian village of Mavrovo for 153 years until it was decided that a dam would be built in the area. There are times of the year when the church is completely submerged and cannot be seen, but it resurfaces again and again. You are most likely to see it if you visit the region during a dry summer, like the last few ones.
2. The Cross in La Honda Dam, Venezuela
In the Venezuelan city of Potosi is the cross atop its bell tower. When the government decided to build the La Honda dam here, all of the city’s inhabitants fled after it became clear that. According to those who once resided in the city, in 1985 Venezuela’s president at the time – Carlos Andres Perez, came to the city and simply told the people that if they did not leave their homes, they would be forced out.
3. Rutland Water, UK
Rutland Water is the name of a dam, near Normanton, UK. This church is currently halfway underwater. This is also submerged due to the building of a dam. This church, however, was saved in an unusual way – its floors were raised by about a meter and, when inside, you realize how weirdly low the windows, ceiling, and altar seem… Not only is the church open to visitors, but it is also fully functional and often becomes the ground for wedding ceremonies.
4. The Submerged Church near Petrolandia, Brazil
Petrolandia is a city in Brazil, which currently has about 30,000 residents. It is located near the banks of the Sao Francisco River. As is the case with many of the other churches in this list, in the past, a portion of the city was submerged so that a dam could be built in its place. The only remaining structure of what once was a city is now the half-ruined church. This rundown structure looks unreal, but also spectacularly beautiful – it resembles a huge fish, with its mouth open, awaiting tasty visitors.