Divers can explore ancient Greek shipwrecks for the first time: Classical-era shipwreck at Peristera accessible from next summer

One of the oldest shipwrecks in the world, the Classical-era shipwreck at Peristera, will start to "operate" as a visitable museum in the summer of 2020.

The pledge was made on Thursday by the regional governor of Thessaly, Kostas Agorastos, and the Underwater Antiquities director of the Culture Ministry, Pari Kalamara.

They were speaking at the inauguration of the Citizens Information Centre on Ancient Submerged Shipwrecks established by the region of Thessaly, at an old primary school on the island of Alonnissos.
This is an innovative, modern and unique for Greece exhibition centre that combines virtual reality displays and digital technologies with traditional museum practices and brings the magic of the deep to visitors by offering them a unique diving experience.

"When some people only talk about innovation in Greece, Thessaly puts it into practice. It brings added value and national wealth. This is not innovation for show but real, useful projects. The programme BLUEMED in which Thessaly was a leading partner is the only European programme that has added value for Greece," said the regional governor of Thessaly.

"We put the work of many archaeologists back on track and we received two European awards and are proud of the so-called 'Parthenon of the Shipwrecks', whose operation will change the image of Alonnisos and of our islands," Agorastos said.

He thanked Culture Minister Lina Mendoni for her support, noting that "Thessaly is entering the world map for tourism, of alternative and qualitative tourism.

Four underwater museums will be created in the region of Magnesia that will promote the submerged archaeological sites in several areas.

The museums currently under creation are:
The underwater archaeological museum at Peristera on Alonnisos (Classical-era shipwreck)
The underwater archaelogical site at Cape Tilegrafos (Late Roman-era shipwreck)
The underwater archaelogical site at Kikynthos, Amaliapolis (Byzantine-era shipwreck)
The underwater archaeological site at Cape Glaros Nion/Sourpis (Byzantine-era shipwreck and other antiquities).