The first unique underwater museum is already waiting for visitors

The “Acropolis of the Sea”, as Reuters dubbed the unique museum, is the oldest maritime archaeological site of key importance not only for Sporades, but for the entire country.

The museum is dedicated to one of the oldest, most important and largest shipwrecks in the world that occurred at Peristera (Alonissos). Last year, Greece’s first underwater museum on Alonissos was inaugurated. This year, in accordance with the program agreement signed between the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the region of Thessaly and the municipality of Alonissos, it opened its doors again hospitably for this tourist season. The opening took place on June 1, 2021.

As part of the global campaign of the municipality of Alonissos, the most interesting object has already been appreciated by divers around the world, thanks to a number of publications in the media of countries such as the USA, Brazil, India, France, South Africa, Great Britain, Italy, Germany, France, Poland, Scandinavia and Australia …

The spread of news about the “underwater Acropolis” is so widespread that even a popular children’s newspaper abroad has undertaken to include the Peristera Museum (Alonissos) in its comics with cartoon characters.

In the experience of the professionals and local organizations involved in the Sporades, the pilot opening of the underwater museum made a difference last season as several divers from different parts of the country rushed to visit Alonissos despite the quarantine difficulties.

The famous Peristera shipwreck lies at a depth of 22 to 33 meters and is still considered the largest shipwreck of the classical period and the most important ancient shipwreck in the world to visit. In all likelihood, it was an Athenian merchant’s ship, loaded with 4,000 amphoras, and was approximately 25 meters long and 10 meters wide. The ship sank in the period 425-400. BC e.

At the same time, in the city of Alonissos, the first in Greece, a modern public information center has already been created and operates, which transports the visitor to the magical world of the seabed and ancient shipwrecks using virtual reality. Special cameras broadcast in real time the image from the seabed. Contemplating stunning views is breathtaking, and ancient history takes tourists to another dimension without even having to dive into the depths!

Six more shipwrecks
However, the most interesting thing is the prospects for the future. At a recent webcast, the mayor of Alonissos, Petros Vafinis, presented the ambitious plans, noting that “the other six wrecks of Alonissos should be used as a priority.” a complete program lasting from seven to ten days, unparalleled in the world. “

The goal of the international project is to create the first underwater archaeological park in Greece, which will be located in the largest natural marine park in Europe.

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