An Eternal Monument of Nature
On western Lesvos, between the settlements of Sigri, Eresos and Antissa, lies one of the rarest global geological phenomena. The Petrified Forest, a Preserved Natural Monument and a founding member of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, stands as an irrefutable witness to the geological cosmogony of the Aegean 20 million years ago.
Born of Lava
Its creation is due to intense volcanic activity, where huge amounts of ash covered the area, isolating the organic matter. Through a perfect natural process, the trees were fossilised molecule by molecule, maintaining in perfect condition their morphological characteristics: bark, annual rings, roots, and even fruits or leaves.
Tour of the "Forest of Silence"
The magnificence of the forest extends to 150 square kilometers, where hundreds of standing and fallen conifer trunks – some reaching heights of 20 metres - impress with their bright colors. Visitors can explore this unique system through four organised parks:
For hiking enthusiasts, the "Lava Trails" offer routes that connect the fossil sites with impressive volcanic structures, starting at Kalloni and crossing the breadth of the Geopark.
Natural History Museum
In Sigri, the state-of-the-art Natural History Museum attracts international interest. Through permanent exhibitions and multimedia presentations, the museum highlights the scientific value of the findings, revealing the evolution of life and the environment in the Aegean over the centuries. A visit here is not merely a journey through space, but a thrilling voyage back in time.
Born of Lava
Its creation is due to intense volcanic activity, where huge amounts of ash covered the area, isolating the organic matter. Through a perfect natural process, the trees were fossilised molecule by molecule, maintaining in perfect condition their morphological characteristics: bark, annual rings, roots, and even fruits or leaves.
Tour of the "Forest of Silence"
The magnificence of the forest extends to 150 square kilometers, where hundreds of standing and fallen conifer trunks – some reaching heights of 20 metres - impress with their bright colors. Visitors can explore this unique system through four organised parks:
- The Petrified Forest Park.
- The Sigri Park.
- The Plaka Park.
- The marine park on the islet of Nisiopi.
For hiking enthusiasts, the "Lava Trails" offer routes that connect the fossil sites with impressive volcanic structures, starting at Kalloni and crossing the breadth of the Geopark.
Natural History Museum
In Sigri, the state-of-the-art Natural History Museum attracts international interest. Through permanent exhibitions and multimedia presentations, the museum highlights the scientific value of the findings, revealing the evolution of life and the environment in the Aegean over the centuries. A visit here is not merely a journey through space, but a thrilling voyage back in time.
