Greece Launches First Underwater Museum Featuring Ancient Shipwrecks

Dive into the through the remnants of a mysterious merchant ship that dates back to 5BC as unveils its inaugural underwater museum.

For the very first time, some of Greece’s extensive heritage of is accessible to both divers and non-divers. The initial site opened on August 3, allowing visitors to explore the ‘Peristera shipwreck.’ This treasure has lain at the bottom of the Aegean Sea for over two millennia, following its sinking in the 5th century BC near the northern Greek island of . After the discovery of remnants of the ship’s cargo by a fisherman in 1985, access was limited. However, now, visitors can explore the site either by sea or through exciting virtual reality experiences.

Archaeologists highlight that this shipwreck is one of the most significant from the Classical era. Previously, researchers presumed that no trading vessel of its kind existed until the , approximately 400 years later. Consequently, its discovery four decades ago revolutionized our understanding of ancient shipbuilding techniques.

While the exact cause of the sinking remains unclear, there are indications of a potential fire outbreak. Reports suggest it was laden with around 4000 amphoras or ceramic vases of wine when it sank, most of which remain intact on the seabed, now serving as a habitat for marine life, including fishes and sponges.

“It is very impressive. Even I, who have been working for years in underwater archaeology, the first time I dived on this wreck I was truly impressed,” stated Dimitris Kourkoumelis, the lead archaeologist preparing the site for visitors, in a report to the Associated Press. “It’s different to see amphoras individually in a museum and different to see them in such concentration.”

Until around 2004, Greece had restricted diving due to concerns over the potential looting of underwater antiquities. However, the country is now fully embracing its rich underwater heritage. Access to the Peristera shipwreck is part of a new initiative that aims to establish underwater museums across the Greek islands within the next two years. Divers will have the opportunity to experience guided tours of the shipwreck, while non-divers can engage with virtual reality information centers on land.

The tours commenced on August 3 in the protected area of the National Maritime Park of Alonissos and the Northern Sporades and are scheduled to run until October 2, before resuming in the following summer.

This article was first published on April 12, 2019, and updated on August 4, 2020.