The Petrified Forest of Lesvos (Greece)
editThe Petrified Forest of Lesvos is one of the most fascinating and rare monuments of geological heritage in the world. Its creation, 20.000 000 year ago is connected with the intense volcanic activity in the Aegean during the Miocene period. In 1985, the Petrified Forest was declared a Protected Natural Monument. The Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark is founding member of the European Geopark Network (2000), and was included in the Global Geoparks Network by UNESCO (2004). Lesvos island – the Petrified Forest protected area, awarded as the top sustainable tourism destination in Greece for 2009 by the European Commission-sponsored program "European Destinations of Excellence" (EDEN). The theme of the competition was "Tourism and Protected Areas".
The Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark
Geological history
editThe Petrified Forest of Lesvos is made up of hundreds of lying and standing fossilized tree trunks which were covered by volcanic material and petrified in place 20 million years ago. Layers of volcanic ash have revealed pieces of trunk, branches, roots, seeds and leaves as well as animal that lived in the forest. Important concentrations of fossilized remains can also be found in the marine and seashore zones of western Lesvos due to the recent geological evolution of the area, which caused the submergence of the “Aegais” (continental area during Lower Miocene) and the creation of the Aegean archipelago. The region of the Petrified Forest is further characterized by impressive volcanic geotopes, witnesses of the intense volcanic activity in the past. This region could be characterized as a window on the geohistoric development of the Aegean over the last 20 million years. A Presidential decree (433/1985) has established the area of the Petrified Forest of Lesvos (15.000 ha) as a protected national monument.
Visit to the Petrified Forest
editVisitors wishing to visit the Lesvos Petrified forest should go to the Natural History Museum in Sigri village, in order to get all information related with this exceptional natural monument and then the three open-air visiting parks. The Museum coordinates scientific, educational, tourism and cultural activities in area. Museum permanent exhibition displays include the finds from the excavations in the Petrified Forest area and an account of the geological history of the evolution of the Aegean, from the processes which led to the creation of the Petrified Forest 20 million years ago up to the presence of the first humans on Lesvos. Three open-air parks present the composition of the different vegetation zones of the Lesvos Petrified Forest; The Petrified Forest Park, includes the most impressive fossils of conifer trees, giant sequoias and pines. The Sigri Park presents impressive root systems from conifer and deciduous trees giving evidence to the autochthony of the Lesvos Petrified Forest. The Plaka Park presents the costal part of the Petrified Forest with a variety of cinnamon trees, laurel trees, palm trees, oak trees and pine trees. The island of Nisiopi represents a rich part with marine and terrestrial fossil sites.
Natural history
editDue to its great natural and ecological value, a vast part of western Lesvos (16.600 ha) is included in the European Network “Natura 2000” areas of European importance for natural protection under the name “Petrified Forest – Western Peninsula of Lesvos” (code GR4110003). The area is characterized by three important ecological regions: the western peninsula zone which includes the Petrified Forest with its micro-environments which host rare and threatened species of flora and fauna, a marine zone around the rocky islet of Nisiopi or Megalonisi, and the pine forest of Pteroudas – Parakilon. In the forest ecosystem of Pteroundas – Parakila exist populations of rhododendrons (Rhododendron luteum), unique to Greece and in Europe. The short-lived spring lakes are very important for the migratory birds and the rare species of plants. The coastal cliffs form caves and beaches which provide an ideal refuge for the Mediterranean seals. A significant number of sea birds are also nest on the rocks. The sea lily Pancratium maritimum, which exists on the sandy beaches, is at risk because of disappearing biotopes across the Mediterranean while the sea fields of Posidonia oceanica in the area are in top condition.
Cultural history
editThe rich cultural history of the region of the Petrified Forest includes two ancient towns of Lesvos: Eressos – birthplace of the poet Sappho and Theophrastus, who is considered the father of modern ecology, Antissa - birthplace of the musician and poet Terpander. The acropolis of Eressos “Mastos”, the early Christian Basilica of Agios Andreas, the Ipsilou, Perivolis and Pitharios monasteries and the Sigri castle are some of the most important monuments of the region. Also to be seen are many examples of folk architecture such as bridges, watermills, as well as various dry stone constructions for farming which bear witness to the long presence of mankind in the region, as well as a unique folk tradition which remains alive due to the efforts and high spirits of the area’s inhabitants.
The Petrified Forest Museum
editCovering an area of 1597 square meters the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest includes permanent exhibition areas, temporary exhibition hall, library, laboratory area, storage rooms, audio-visual multi purpose room, snack bar, museum shop, as well as general and special accommodation facilities for visiting researchers.
The Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest
Education activities
editThe Museum runs educational programs for school groups, students and families, tours for adults, and educational seminars in order to familiarize the general public with the Petrified Forest, its natural history and the geological heritage of the earth.
Geotourism activities
editThe Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark comprises a core zone (15,000 hectares of the petrified forest protected area) and a broad buffer zone of the volcanic terrains. Within the "Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark", visitors can explore the Petrified Forest -a unique natural monument on a world scale, admire the wild natural beauty of the landscape created by volcanic eruptions, and learn about the variety of ecosystems as well as the wildlife of western Lesvos. A variety of tourist activities (including guided tours for adults) is offered to the visitors. Visitors will also encounter exceptional archaeological, religious and cultural monuments that testify to the long-standing presence of humans in the region, and at the same time the folk traditions that continue to shape and colour the lives of local residents.