The Petrified Forest of Lesvos - Protected Natural Monument
The Petrified Forest is located in the area enclosed by the villages of Eressos, Antissa and Sigri on the western tip of Lesvos.
The Petrified Forest is located in the area enclosed by the villages of Eressos, Antissa and Sigri on the western tip of Lesvos. The entire area is declared as Protected Natural Monument in 1985.
We should make it clear that for those of you who are expecting to see actual trees 
frozen in time by the effects of volcanic eruption and the lava which preserved them, you should be aware that this is the remains of the tree stumps which would have once been a forest.
The remains which can be seen today were formed more than four million years ago when intense volcanic activity buried the oaks, sequoias and other trees of the region below ash. Heavily silicated water percolated through the area and substituted iron, manganese and copper compounds among others for the wood cells of the tree stumps, thus “petrifying” the remains of trees.
Today you can see beautiful stone trunks which have been preserved to such perfection that bark, annual rings and the structure of the wood can be seen. The area which has been designated as a National Park is located 8 kilometers out of Sigri villageand is a wonderful place to visit. The park has clearly marked trails leading around the various exhibits, of which there are many and is educational for children and adults alike.
There is a small charge for entry, but it is well worth the money. A shaded cafeteria provides soft drinks, coffee and snacks and there are toilets at various intervals along the trails.
The Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest was established in 1994 to study, research, promote, preserve and conserve the unique Petrified Forest of Lesvos, a designated Protected Natural Monument.
Located in picturesque Sigri on the Western shores of Lesvos, the Museum functions under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and was established with Greek state and Eu Second Community Support Framework funds.
You can see more detailed information about the forest and the historical and geographical data by visiting the official website of the Natural History Museum Petrified Forest of Lesvos: Natural History Museum
