Greece’s first underwater archeological museum opens in August at the site of an ancient shipwreck off the uninhabited islet of Peristera, near Alonissos island.
Only a few weeks separate us from the moment when thousands of divers from Greece and all over the world will be able to dive in the first underwater museum in Greece, in Alonissos.
From June 1, amateur scuba divers and free divers will be able to visit, accompanied by diving centers, the famous shipwreck of amphorae of the 5th c. BC at the bottom of the islet of Peristera in Alonissos.
A fisherman was the first to see the ancient shipwreck in 1985 near the west rocky shore of Peristera, at a depth of 28 meters: a large merchant ship, probably Athenian, sank there around 425 BC. It was loaded with thousands of wine amphorae from Mendi (ancient city of Halkidiki) and Peparithos (today's Skopelos island), areas known in antiquity for their wine. The pile of amphorae, which extends to the bottom to a length of 25 meters, gives the feeling of the contour and the large dimensions of the ship. The shipwreck is one of the most important of classical antiquity. The excavation was carried out by the archaeologists and the staff of the Ephorate of Marine Antiquities of the Ministry of Culture, who today take care of the opening of the wreck to the public.
The impressive number of amphorae, the excellent condition of the wreck at -21 to -28 meters and the beauty of the exotic waters and the rich seabed of the area, located within the protected area of the National Marine Park of Alonissos-Northern Sporades, make the ancient shipwreck of Peristera a destination that interests every experienced diver.
The first Underwater Museum in Alonissos in a few days will be a fact and awaits us all to share its secrets either on the enchanting seabed or above the water, with the help of virtual reality! Have a good dive!
