#

09 Volcanic dome of Mastos-Acropolis of Eresou

The Mastos volcanic edifice is located at Skala Eresou. On its top was built the ancient Acropolis of Eresos.

It is the southernmost of a series of volcanic structures that appear in the wider area and was formed in the last phase of volcanic activity, 16.5 million years ago.

Its creation is associated with rising magma that moved at low speed, penetrated the older metamorphic rocks of the bedrock, obscured the older layers of pyroclastic formations that covered the area, and created a giant dome without causing a volcanic eruption. The magma cooled and solidified at a relatively shallow depth.

The erosion of the pyroclastic rocks that once surrounded it, revealed the impressive dome. At its top, where the ancient acropolis once dominated and perhaps Sappho climbed to gaze at the Aegean, today stand the ruins of the tower of the of Gattilusio family

Photographs

Skip to content