The ancient shipwreck of Peristera, off the Greek island of Alonissos, dubbed “the Parthenon of shipwrecks,” opened up in May 2021 to divers, who can now visit the famous shipwreck of amphorae from the 5th century BC.
Accompanied by instructors, divers can get a close look at the huge pile of amphorae, which extends to the sea bottom for a length of 25 meters.
Because of looting concerns, the undersea antiquities were previously accessible only to archaeologists and those with special permission.
Now, recreational divers can plunge into the waters and, at a depth of about eighty feet, encounter the so-called Peristera, named after the neighboring uninhabited islet. As the wreck dates back to about 425 BC, diving to it is almost like traveling in a time machine.
A fisherman was the first to encounter the ancient shipwreck in 1985 near the western rocky shore of Peristera at a depth of 28 meters (92 feet). A large merchant ship, possibly one from Athens, sank there around 425 BC.
It was loaded with thousands of wine amphorae from Mendi, an ancient city of Halkidiki, and Peparithos, today’s Skopelos, areas known in antiquity for their wine. The shipwreck is one of the most important in all of classical antiquity.
“Large vessels like this [39 by 82 feet] were considered to be first built in Roman times. Peristera shipwreck, though, documents their presence already in the last quarter of the fifth century BC,” Pari Kalamara, director of Greece’s Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, told National Geographic recently.
The shipwreck is also one of the most well preserved. “The amphorae cargo has maintained its consistency and remains in place, in layers, as they were loaded in the hold, indicating the vessel’s shape,” says Kalamara. “This is a significantly unique experience for the divers, who can visualize a classical-era vessel.”
Its investigation was carried out by archaeologists and the staff of the Ephorate of Marine Antiquities of the Ministry of Culture, who managed the opening of the shipwreck to the public.
The impressive number of amphorae, excellent condition of the shipwreck, and beauty of the exotic waters, located within the protected area of the National Marine Park of Alonissos, make the Peristera shipwreck an intriguing destination for every experienced diver.
Access to the mysterious world of the seabed, however, is not only for diving friends but all visitors of Alonissos, who have the opportunity to enjoy the unique spectacle of the shipwreck without even getting wet.
In the enchanting alleys of Alonissos Town, the Center for Public Information provides visitors with comprehensive information on the history of ancient shipwrecks and the ability to “virtually dive” to the bottom and “navigate shipwrecks” almost like an actual diver through the use of augmented reality technology.
