Lesvos offers a wealth of geological monuments, areas of great natural beauty, rich ecotopes and a variety of cultural monuments. These elements contributed to the island’s recognition as member of the Global Geoparks Network operating under the auspices of UNESCO.
The western side of the island is dominated by the imposing Petrified Forest, which has been declared a Protected Natural Monument.
Lesvos is strewn with significant geological monuments and landforms such as volcanoes, hot springs, important fossil sites, impressive geological faults, waterfalls, coastal geosites which are important witnesses to the Aegean basin’s geological history. Lesvos’ ecological value is evidenced by three regions which have been included in the European Natura 2000 Network: Petrified Forest –Western Peninsula, Kalloni Gulf Wetlands and the Gulf of Gera and Mount Olympus.
In Lesvos, one encounters prehistoric and historic archaeological monuments, medieval castles, Byzantine monasteries, and traditional villages. The rich architectural heritage is based on the use of local building materials which reflect the geological heritage and the natural environment.
Lesvos is the birthplace of many important luminaries in the arts and literature such as the poetess Sappho, the philosopher Theophrastus, the poet Alkaios, Pittacus the Philosopher, Terpandros the lyrist and the more recent G. Jakobides and the nobelist poet of the Aegean, Odysseas Elytis.
The Lesvos Geopark highlights the evidence of its geological, natural and cultural heritage and sets the stage for visitors to familiarize themselves with a rich network of geosites and ecotopes, archaeological sites and monuments, as well as a variety of museums. Visitors can participate in various ecotouristic activities, unique, educational programs, marine and agrotouristic events, cultural festivals, as well as enjoy hiking through a unique natural environment once walked by Aristotle and Theophrastus.
www.lesvosgeopark.gr
Tel-Fax: 0030 22510 47033
E-mail: lesvospf@otenet.gr
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