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BLISS_Kalymnos island

Secrets of the Sea:

Kalymnos Depths Unveiled

Stavros Valsamidis created the Sea World Museum of Kalymnos
to preserve the island’s legacy by showcasing his treasure hoard,
from marine creatures to the remains of ship wrecks.

Vlychada beach hosts the Valsamidis Sea World Museum, but its stunning blue waters
are perfect for a blissful swim too.

Ε xploring the seabed of Kalymnos for 2nd centuries BC are preserved, as well as oth-

over 45 years, Stavros Valsamidis be-
er objects from ancient shipwrecks. There is al-
came a diving legend, one generous
lated to the history and tradition of sponge div-
with his knowledge. All the diving centres of so a collection of around 2,000 photographs re-
Kalymnos benefited from his information ers. Impressively, the entire wreck of an ancient
about the most exciting diving spots. With the merchant ship, filled with treasures like ampho-
spirit of a collector, Stavros accumulated thou- rae, was brought to light from the depths of the
sands of items from the sea and created the sea by Stavros Valsamidis.
Valsamidis Sea World Museum in the coastal The main concern of the museum’s found-
village of Vlychada in Kalymnos. An impres- er always was the promotion of Kalymnos and
sive private collection of over 17,000 unique its sponge diving history for the survival of its
findings is the lifelong work of a man born and people and their families. Today, the work of
raised on the island. Stavros Valsamidis, who passed away at the age
The discoveries, which came from thousands of 65, a celebrated diver of all the Earth’s seas,
of dives, include a wide variety of plants and continues through his son Giannis.
animals from the marine kingdom: fish, shells, As the legacy of Stavros Valsamidis lives on, the
crustaceans, starfish, corals, sharks, turtles, Valsamidis Sea World Museum stands, not on-
and, of course, all kinds of sponges. ly as a tribute to the rich underwater heritage
Part of the museum is dedicated to the profession of Kalymnos but also as a beacon of education
of sponge diving and includes all the tools and and preservation for future generations. With
suits used by divers from 1872 to the present day. each passing day, this museum continues to
One wing exhibits findings from the First and
inspire awe and appreciation for the treasures
SHUTTERSTOCK Second World Wars, such as torpedoes and hidden beneath the waves, ensuring that the re-
markable stories of the sea and its explorers will
pieces from aeroplanes. In a specially designed
space, amphorae from the 6th, 4th, 3rd, and
endure for years to come. •

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