The Municipality of Western Lesvos is part of the Regional Unit of Lesvos and was officially established on February 25, 2019, following a decision by the Ministry of the Interior. It was created through the division of the former unified Municipality of Lesvos and now encompasses the areas of Kalloni, Mantamados, Agia Paraskevi, Eresos–Antissa, Polichnitos, Petra, and Mithymna (Molivos), all of which previously operated as independent municipalities under the Kapodistrias Plan.

Approximately 90% of the area’s economic activity is based on agriculture, livestock farming, and tourism. Key industries include olive oil production, livestock, fishing, tourism, geothermal energy, and other forms of renewable energy sources.

What to See in Western Lesvos

One of the region’s most remarkable attractions is the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest. Located in the village of Sigri, this internationally recognized museum was founded in 1994 (Law 2260/1994) with the mission to study, protect, conserve, and promote the Lesvos Petrified Forest, a globally significant natural monument. The museum, situated in the heart of the protected area, occupies a modern facility covering 1,597 square meters. Its permanent exhibitions opened to the public on September 2, 2001.

The museum’s exhibits focus on:

• The evolution of plant life on Earth
• Fossils from the Petrified Forest and other major fossil sites across Greece
• The region’s volcanic activity and geohistory within the Aegean Sea

Among the most striking displays are fossilized tree trunks, branches, roots, fruits, and leaves, providing a vivid picture of the ancient flora that once thrived in the northeastern Aegean during the Early Miocene period.

Beyond its exhibitions, the museum is actively involved in:

• Scientific research and excavations
• Fossil conservation and protection projects
• Educational programs for schools and visitors
• Special exhibitions and cultural events
• Scientific publications and collaborations with universities and institutions around the world

The museum collaborates with UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, the European Geoparks Network, research centers, museums, and academic institutions both in Greece and abroad.

Each year, it hosts:

• International scientific conferences
• Cultural events and exhibitions
• Educational seminars and public lectures

Its strong emphasis on education has made it a leading hub for environmental and geological learning in Greece.

Location: Sigri, Lesvos – 81112

Tel: +30 22530 54434, +30 22510 47033

Website: www.lesvosmuseum.gr

Archaeological Collection of Eresos

The Archaeological Collection of Eresos is housed in the former school building of Skala Eresou, adjacent to key historical landmarks such as the Basilica of Saint Andrew, the Acropolis of Ancient Eresos, and preserved remains of the ancient city walls.

The exhibition features a curated selection of significant artifacts from the ancient city, organized into four thematic sections: Private Life, Religion and Worship, Funerary Customs, and Public Life.

Private Life

This section features ceramics and everyday objects dating back to the Late Bronze Age, offering a glimpse into the domestic life and habits of the early inhabitants of Eresos.

Religion and Worship

Displayed here are fragments of a kouros statue, small figurines of gods and heroes, votive offerings, and a sacred law, an inscribed stone that sets out the rules for entering a sanctuary, likely dedicated to Apollo. A standout piece is a rare relief from the 1^st century BC to 1^st century AD, depicting a woman on horseback, discovered in Eresos.

Funerary Customs

This section showcases some of the finest examples of grave reliefs, grave goods from the Archaic necropolis of Eresos, and a clay sarcophagus in the Clazomenian style.

Public Life

Artifacts include inscriptions, reflecting the rich epigraphic record of the ancient city and shedding light on civic and political aspects of life in Eresos.

In the semi-open courtyard, visitors can explore large architectural elements, including column bases, Ionic and Doric capitals, and fragments of friezes and cornices. The outdoor collection also features votive reliefs and altars from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, with a designated space reserved for the future display of a Roman-era mosaic floor.

Location: Skala Eresou, Lesvos – 81105
Tel: +30 22530 53037
More info: https://www.efales.gr/sylloges/arhaiologiki-syllogi-eresoy

George Iakovidis Digital Museum

Located in the mountain village of Chidira, the Georgios Iakovidis Digital Museum is the first digital art museum in Greece. Its mission is to showcase the life and work of the renowned Greek painter Georgios Iakovidis through a wide range of interactive digital installations.

The museum presents Iakovidis’ works in themed sections, brought to life through innovative multimedia features. Visitors can explore individual elements of each painting through zoom tools, magnification lenses, comparisons with other works, either by Iakovidis himself or his teachers, and other interactive techniques that deepen the understanding of his art.

The museum was created on the initiative of the N.G. Papadimitriou Educational and Cultural Foundation and brought to life by the cultural development company Koirania.

Visitor Information

Address: Chidira, 81103, Lesvos
Phone: (+30) 22530 51128, (+30) 22530 51195
Email: info@jakobides-digital-museum.gr