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Shipwreck Museum: Kyrenia's Maritime History

Explore a 2300-year-old shipwreck and discover ancient Mediterranean maritime history within Kyrenia Castle, Northern Cyprus.

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Housed within Kyrenia Castle, the Shipwreck Museum displays the remains of a Greek merchant ship that sank around 300 BC. Explore the remarkably preserved vessel and its cargo, offering a glimpse into ancient Mediterranean trade and seafaring life.

A brief summary to Shipwreck Museum

  • 88RF+J4H, Aşağı Cyprus, Küpdemir Sk, Kyrenia, CY

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with exploration of Kyrenia Castle for a comprehensive historical experience.
  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the museum's exhibits and the shipwreck itself.
  • Check the opening hours, as they may vary between summer and winter.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Shipwreck Museum is located within Kyrenia Castle, which is situated at the east end of Kyrenia's old harbor. From anywhere in central Kyrenia, including the main bus station on Mustafa Çağatay Cd, the castle is easily accessible on foot via a short, well-marked walk along the harbor. Follow the signs towards the harbor and castle entrance. Once inside the castle, the Shipwreck Museum is clearly signposted.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving in Kyrenia by public transport (dolmuş or bus) from other cities like Nicosia or Famagusta, you'll likely arrive at the main bus station on Mustafa Çağatay Cd, just south of Kyrenia Castle. From there, it's a short walk to the castle entrance. Local dolmuş services also operate within Kyrenia, providing convenient access to the castle from various points in the city. Fares for local dolmuş trips are typically a few Turkish Lira.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Kyrenia. A taxi from anywhere in the city center to Kyrenia Castle will be a short ride. Agree on the fare before starting your journey, as taxis in Northern Cyprus generally do not use meters. Expect to pay approximately 32-64 TL for a short trip within the city.

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Discover more about Shipwreck Museum

The Shipwreck Museum, located inside Kyrenia Castle, is home to the remarkably well-preserved remains of a Greek merchant vessel that sank just off the coast of Kyrenia around 300 BC. Discovered by a sponge diver in 1965, the ship was carefully excavated between 1967 and 1969. Today, the museum showcases the ship's hull and its cargo, providing a fascinating insight into ancient maritime trade during the time of Alexander the Great. The ship itself, constructed of Aleppo pine, measures approximately 15 meters in length. Preservative lacquer and lead panels protected the wooden hull from marine organisms. The cargo included over 400 amphorae, millstones, and an astounding 9,000 almonds. These items originated from various Greek islands, suggesting the ship traded throughout the Aegean Sea. Visitors can explore the ship's remains and learn about its construction, cargo, and the lives of the sailors who once sailed aboard. The museum also displays maps, photographs, and artifacts recovered from the wreck site, further enriching the visitor experience.

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