Dive in! Check out Malta & Gozo's historic underwater gems with this free virtual access
The Maltese Islands have a rich history which can be admired everywhere you go, be it on land or in the sea. Historical land sites have been visited by countless locals and tourists over the years, but Malta’s seabed also has interesting things to explore.
The Tourism Ministry has launched a project that will give people virtual access to stunning historical sites on our local seabed which were only accessible to divers so far. In a press conference yesterday, Tourism Minster Julia Farrugia Portelli described the Maltese and Gozitan seabed as one of the best touristic attractions rich in historical remains.
The intriguing project
“It simply came to our notice then that we should continue to promote it internationally. It is estimated that last year about 131,000 tourists visited our country specifically because they were attracted by this sector, while another 46,000 did diving-related activities while on holiday in our country,” she shared.
“The project envisages that, through a specific website, we will be virtually showcasing archaeological sites on the seabed,” the minister noted. “This should serve to increase the interest not only for those who practice diving as their main hobby, but also to others who will be able to enjoy it all without diving. At the same time, we will be promoting our sea on a virtual platform.”
DOI - Omar Camilleri
The project is being funded by the Malta Tourism Authority with the University taking part in the project in terms of research. Heritage Malta’s chairman shared that this virtual museum includes sites ranging from a shipwreck dating back to 2,700 years (during the Phoenician period) to World War II aircraft.
How will it work?
The incredible underwater sites will be accessible through the use of 3D models and virtual reality. The authorities shared that at the start of the project, there will be access to 10 sites located between two to 110m below sea level. By the end of 2020, another 10 sites will be added.
The 10 sites launched include: submarine HMS Stubborn and aircraft JU88 both located off St Paul’s Bay, British destroyer HMS Maori and supply vessel X-Lighter at Port of Marsamxett, the remaining of a Phoenician shipwreck outside Gozo’s Xlendi, the Beaufighter and Fairey Swordfish aircrafts located off St Julian’s, Marsaxlokk’s B-24 Liberator aircraft, Victorian-era cannons and S-31 Schnellboot outside of the Grand Harbour.
You can enjoy the virtual experience here https://underwatermalta.org/.