Bulgaria: Diving group creates undersea art exhibition

The reproductions have been lowered into the sea to celebrate the 107th anniversary of Bulgaria's independence

Divers exploring the marine life of Bulgaria's Black Sea coast can now enjoy some culture at the same time, after a diving group set up an underwater art exhibition.

The Poseidon group, based in the south-eastern seaside resort of Primorsko, has submerged copies of two of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous works, the bTV channel reports. Waterproof versions of The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa have been attached to a reef 8m (26ft) beneath the surface, to mark Bulgarian independence day on 22 September, the report says. While the Leonardo masterpieces are the first to be displayed, the group is planning another exhibition later this year.

It's not the only unusual sight in the sea off Primorsko, though. An underwater chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas - the patron saint of sailors, among others - has also been attracting diving enthusiasts, with one group celebrating Easter at the site with eggs and champagne.

Underwater cultural projects have attracted divers and snorkelers around the world in recent years. In 2014, a photography exhibition was set up on the sea bed near the Italian island of Ponza, and the waters surrounding the Mexican resort of Cancun are home to a huge underwater sculpture park, with more than 500 life-size figures. A similar project is now under way in Lanzarote, which is being billed as Europe's first underwater museum.

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