The petrified forest of Lesvos–Protected natural monument

Remains of fossil plants, which form the famous «Petrified forest of Lesvos», declared as a Protected Natural Monument, have been found in many localities on the western part of Lesvos island. The fossilised forest of Lesvos was developed during Late Oligocene to Lower-Middle Miocene, due to the intense volcanic activity in the area. Neogene volcanic rocks dominate the central and western part of the island, comprise andesites, docites and rhyolites, ingnibrite, pyroclastics, tuffs and volcanic ash. The products of the volcanic activity covered the vegetation of the area and the fossilisation process took place due to favourable conditions. The fossilised plants in Lesvos are silicified remnants of a subtropical forest that existed on the north-west part of the island 15-20 million years ago.