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Underwater Museum Where You Can Swim Among Shipwrecks Opens In Greece

Underwater Museum Where You Can Swim Among Shipwrecks Opens In Greece

Tourists will be able to visit what is thought to be the 'planet's oldest shipwreck that can be dived through by humans'

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Anyone who's been scuba diving will know that there's quite a lot to see in nature's big bath. But if coral, fish and the odd turtle weren't enough for you, then here's some good news - Greece has just opened the very first underwater museum.

Located off the coast of Alonissos, in the western Aagean sea, divers will be able to feast their eyes on a whole host of artefacts, including a shipwreck from the fifth century BC.

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Amateur divers will be able to visit the 'the planet's oldest shipwreck that can be dived through by humans' from today (3 August), while those who can't dive can check it out thanks to a virtual reality tour at Alonissos' tourism information centre in the main town.

Speaking at the new museum's opening ceremony, Maria Agalou, president of the municipal council of Alonissos, told Skai TV: "This wreck lies at 21-28 metres depth near the shores of the Peristera islet and contains 3,000 to 4,000 amphorae."

Amphorae are distinct Greek or Roman jars or jugs with two handles and narrow necks.

Underwater, attendees will be able to view a whole range of artefacts, including a huge stack of two-handled vases discovered by fishermen in 1985.

The ship is believed to have sunk around 425 BC due to bad weather and was carrying between 3,000 and 4,000 amphorae filled with wine from areas such as Chalkidiki in northern Greece as well as the island of Skopelos, Pari Kalamara, according to the director of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, who spoke on Greek broadcaster ERT.

"The amphorae are revealing the form of the ancient ship. This has been a big ship," she said, adding: "We are offering to the humanity the Parthenon of shipwrecks."

The shipwreck is currently only billed to be open to the public until October, so there will no doubt be a surge of explorers rushing to check it out.

However, there are rumours that it will be open again in 2021, so keep your eyes peeled.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock

Topics: Community, Weird