Sunken treasures of Ukraine: Historic landmarks and churches now underwater
5 unique sunken places in Ukraine worth seeing (photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine hides many places that are no longer on modern maps. Some villages, temples, and even mines were underwater due to the construction of hydroelectric power plants or accidents. However, they did not disappear completely, and tourists can still see their remains, which have become unique locations for travelers. Which historical landmarks sank underwater but still adorn Ukraine?
Sunken villages of the Dnieper
In the mid-20th century, dozens of villages went underwater due to the construction of a cascade of hydroelectric power plants on the Dnieper River. The Kaniv region and the Kremenchuk Reservoir suffered the most.
Hundreds of families were resettled, and ancient settlements remained at the bottom. Researchers say that under the water lie the remains of homesteads, old cemeteries, and churches. Today, these places attract divers and historians.
Pokrovska Church in the village of Adamivka. Submerged by the waters of the Kremenchuk Reservoir. (photo: Wikipedia)
Bakota: Ukrainian Atlantis
The most famous sunken village is Bakota in Podillia. In 1981, its residents were relocated when the Dniester Reservoir was created. The settlement went underwater, but a unique 12th-century rock monastery remained.
Today, Bakota is a popular destination for recreation and tourism, and from here one can enjoy one of the best views of the Dniester.
Rock monastery (photo: Wikipedia)
Sunken churches in the Kyiv region: Husyntsi and Tsybli
During the construction of the Kaniv Reservoir in the 1970s, several villages in the Kyiv region were flooded. In Husyntsi, the Transfiguration Church (19th century) remained standing in the water. It became a landmark of the Dnieper River and a popular place among tourists and photographers.
Transfiguration Church (photo: Wikipedia)
In nearby Tsybli, the Church of St. Elijah ended up in the water. Although the building is deteriorating, it still reminds us of the village, which has disappeared from the map.
Church of St. Elijah in the village of Tsybli (photo: Wikipedia)
Flooded mines and lakes
Another unique place is Solotvyno in Zakarpattia. Here, due to the flooding of salt mines, salt lakes were formed, which are known for their healing properties.
They resemble a miniature Dead Sea, since the water is so saturated with salt that it is hard to sink in it.
Salt Lake in Solotvyno (photo: Wikipedia)
You may be interested in:
- Where in Ukraine you can spend the night in an old authentic house
- Where in the Carpathians you can find the stone that grants any wish
Sources: Ukrainian Institute of National Memory, Wikipedia, Glavcom.
