...a unique natural monument...
Recognizing its great palaeontological and geological value, the Greek State declared the "Petrified Forest", covering an area of 15.000 hectares, a Protected Natural Monument in 1985. Scientists who studied the Petrified Forest were awed by its uniqueness and scientific importance. Finds include the largest to date upright fossilized tree trunk found in Europe, measuring 7.02 metres in height and 8.58 metres in circumference. This is one of the world's largest existing plant fossils and it belongs to the Taxodioxylon albertense genera, the ancestor of modern-day Sequoia.
Impressive exhibits are the standing and lying petrified tree trunks. polished cross sections, fossilized fruits leaves, branches and roots displayed in the Museum Halls.
The Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest was established in 1994 and dedicated to the study, research, promotion, conservation and preservation of the Petrified Forest.
The Museum includes permanent exhibition halls, the first dedicated to the Petrified Forest and the evolution of plants and the second to the volcanic activity and the evolution of the Aegean. It also has a temporary exhibition hall, open air amphitheatre, library, fully equipped research laboratories, audiovisual room, snack bar with unique view to the Aegean sea, museum shop, as well as accommodation facilities for visiting researchers. It includes suitable infrastructure for research and study of the Petrified Forest. The Museum provides a dynamic leverage for cultural economic and social growth in the region, since its premises provide the venue for international scientific conferences, educational programmes, cultural events, exhibitions, scientific meetings, lectures and audio-visual presentations.
After visiting the Museum one can visit some of the open-air parks: the Petrified Forest Park, covering a total area of approximately 45 hectares, the Sigri Park, 3 hectares and the Plaka Resort, 7 hectares. These are connected by a network of trekking paths named "The lava paths" created by the Museum to develop trekking tourism. The paths are marked by informative panels at significant sights provide trekkers with useful information.
A visit to the Petrified Forest Park, offers a world-wide unique experience. The great number of erect trunks forming an extraordinary petrified forest ecosystem, is truly impressive.
