From an ancient wreck, you can make a museum. For more than 2000 years, the Peristera had remained submerged under the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. But in 1985, a lone fisherman discovered hundreds of jars off the coast of Alonissos, in eastern Greece. It is the cargo of an old merchant ship, dubbed the Peristera, probably transporting wine from Athens. The wooden hull, two millennia after the sinking, is only a vestige, but the amphorae are almost intact. And you can still find hundreds of them, scattered near the boat.
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According to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini , this historic treasure, sign of the power of civilization then at its peak, can from August 3 until October 2, be explored by divers keen on archeology. Authorized guides will accompany these exceptional visitors.
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The site of the shipwreck was previously forbidden to the public, like others, because Greece feared the looting of sunken treasures. However, it recently relaxed the regulations regarding access to its underwater wrecks and decided to open the Peristera area to the public, but in a controlled manner. In the form of a museum, so as not to damage the fragile wreck and degrade the maritime environment. The museum is also managed by the Ministry of Culture.
The Peristera underwater odyssey
Besides the sensational aspect of a guided tour underwater, diving promises to be unforgettable. Because the underwater museum is located in the protected area of the Alonissos National Marine Park. The fish species are numerous and the Mediterranean flora abundant. The show is also around the wreckage.
And for those who would not like trips to clear waters, an information center in the main town of the island of Alonissos will also offer a virtual reality visit of the site. Another way to dive into the heart of ancient history and explore its archaeological treasures.