The visitable underwater archaeological site in the sea off the Greek island of Alonissos, the Peristera Shipwreck, will open to visitors on June, 1st in accordance with the agreement signed by the culture ministry, the Region of Thessaly, and Municipality of Alonissos as the water museum with the famous amphorae shipwreck of 5th century BC opens its water gates for amateur divers and free diving divers in the summer months. Previous opening that was already announced on FINCH site during summer 2020 had been postponed due the pandemic.
The large merchant ship, probably an Athenian one, sank around 425 BC. The pile of amphorae, which extends to a length of 25 meters at the bottom of the sea, gives the feeling of the contour and the large dimensions of the ship. The shipwreck is considered as one of the most important of classical antiquity. Its excavation was carried out by archaeologists and the staff of the Ephorate of Marine Antiquities of the Ministry of Culture, who today take care of the opening of the shipwreck to the public. The impressive number of amphorae, the excellent condition of the wreck and the beauty of the exotic waters and the rich seabed of the area, located within the protected area of the National Marine Park Alonissos – Northern Sporades, make it Ancient shipwreck of Peristera is a destination that interests every experienced diver as the project is expected to establish Greece on the “map” of world diving tourism.
The Good Practice - BlueMed: The underwater museums - presented by Finch Project Partner Thessaly Region was evaluated as an innovative and holistic approach in safeguarding underwater cultural heritage, protecting marine ecosystem and supporting sustainable and blue model for tourism development.
