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Kyrenia Shipwreck Museum: A Journey Through Ancient Maritime History

Discover the world's oldest shipwreck at Kyrenia Castle, offering a unique glimpse into ancient Mediterranean trade and maritime history.

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Housed within Kyrenia Castle, the Shipwreck Museum displays the remarkably preserved remains of a Greek merchant ship that sank off the coast of Kyrenia around 300 BC. Explore the ship's cargo and learn about ancient Mediterranean trade.

A brief summary to Shipwreck Museum

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

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a tour of Kyrenia Castle to explore more of the area's history and enjoy panoramic views of the harbor.
  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum and examine the shipwreck's artifacts.
  • Visit during the shoulder seasons (April-June or September-November) for milder weather and fewer crowds.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Kyrenia Harbour, walk east along the waterfront promenade. The Shipwreck Museum is located inside Kyrenia Castle, which is situated at the end of the harbor. Enter the castle and follow the signs to the museum.

  • Public Transport

    From the main bus station on Mustafa Çağatay Cd, walk towards Kyrenia Harbour. The Shipwreck Museum is located inside Kyrenia Castle, a short walk from the harbor. Local buses (Dolmuş) are a convenient and affordable way to reach the city center. A local trip costs approximately 2.50 to 5 TL.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Kyrenia. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A short taxi ride from anywhere in Kyrenia city center to Kyrenia Castle should cost approximately 5-10 EUR.

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Discover more about Shipwreck Museum

The Kyrenia Shipwreck Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the world of ancient maritime trade. Located within the historic Kyrenia Castle, the museum's centerpiece is the remarkably well-preserved remains of a Greek merchant vessel that sank just off the coast of Kyrenia around 300 BC. The ship, believed to be around 80 years old at the time of its sinking, met its fate in rough seas less than a mile from Kyrenia's anchorage. Discovered by a sponge diver in 1965, the ship was carefully salvaged by a team of archaeologists between 1967 and 1969. The 15-meter long vessel was constructed of Aleppo pine and originally carried a cargo of over 400 wine amphoras from Rhodes, 9,000 perfectly preserved almonds, and millstones. Other recovered items, such as wooden spoons, jugs, salt dishes, and drinking cups, provide insight into the lives of the ship's crew. Visitors can explore the ship's remains and learn about its construction, which differed significantly from modern shipbuilding techniques. The museum also displays maps, photographs, and artifacts from the salvage expedition, offering a comprehensive understanding of this significant maritime discovery. The Kyrenia Shipwreck is considered the oldest known shipwreck, making the museum a must-see for history enthusiasts.

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