Explore the landscape, the rocks and

the nature of Southern

Thassos. Find out

its history and civilisation.

SouthernTHASSOS

PROJECT: DESIGNATIONOF GEOSITES - GEOPARKS, CONTRIBUTION

TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The Southern Thassos area is

formed by metamorphosed

rocks of the Rhodopi

Massif and of sedimentary

Miocene formations.

It combines geological,

mineral, archaeological

and environmental sites

of great interest to all

visitors. Thassos island is

justly considered the main

tourist attraction of Eastern

Macedonia and Thrace.

BACKGROUND ON THE AREA

The series “Geotrails in Greece” is a pilot publication of the Greek Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration (IGME) with funding by the 3rd Community Support Framework for the project: “Designation of geosites-geoparks, contribution to sustainable development” and the sub-project: “Creating interpretative material for promotion, marketing and com-munity awareness on geosites-geoparks”. The trails were traced in 2008, within the scope of the sub-project “Planning of walking and motoring geotrails for potential geoparks”. During the planning of the series “Geotrails", several similar attempts were used as reference, such as the series Landscapes from stone, a joint publication by the Geological Survey of North-ern Ireland and the Geological Survey of Ireland, ProGEO Croatia brochures for the Island of Rab, and relevant printed material.

FIELD RESEARCH, TEXTS, PHOTOGRAPHS: N. Epitropou, IGME – Regional Branch for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Brokoumi 30 – 671 00 Xanthi • Tel.: +30 25410 28218-19 • FAX: +30

25410 22187 • e-mail: igmexan@otenet.gr PROJECT COORDINATION, DESIGN, EDITING: I. Theodossiou, IGME, ren@igme.grDepartment of General Geology and Geological Mapping, dggx@igme.grDirector of the Department: P. Tsombos

Maps compilation with G.I.S.: E. Kleisiouni

DESIGN, EDITING, PRODUCTION: Kaleidoscope publications, www.kaleidoscope.gr

ISBN 978-960-98903-3-5 © Copyright IGME, Geotrails 2009

Toumba overthrust

Ancient quarries at Archangelos BIF occurrence

3rd COMMUNITY SUPPORT FRAMEWORKPROGRAMME (2000-2006)

OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME “COMPETITIVENESS”CO-FINANCED BY THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY

INSTITUTE OF GEOLOGY & MINERAL EXPLORATIONDEPARTMENT OF GENERAL GEOLOGY & GEOLOGICAL MAPPINGSpyros Louis 1, Olympic Village, Entrance C, 136 77 Acharnai, AtticaTel.: +30 210 2413175 • FAX: +30 210 2413448 • www.igme.gr

2HOW TO USE THE CARDS

The trails described in the cards have been designed to let you know some key points in the geological history of the area, all intimately connected with its cultural history. The 4 introductory cards briefly outline the natural, cultural and geological heritage of the area, while the 5 rest of the cards describe the respective trails. Some of the routes are designed to be covered by car, whereas others are meant to be completed on foot. Each card describes one trail and the paragraphs that begin with a letter (A, B...) contain instructions on how to reach a site, whereas the numbered paragraphs (1, 2...) provide mainly information on the geological interest of a location (geosite). The same letters and numbers that are seen on the map refer to the instructions and the interpretative texts.Maps of the cards are indicative and simplified. The 1:50,000 topographic map is an essential tool for your hike, and you could also use the relevant geological map (Thassos sheet). Some of the geotrails concentrate one one particular topic, while others

cover more than one topics. The coloured geotrails that are traced on the map (one colour for each trail) are not currently fully marked outdoors. The geotrails will eventually be marked on the spot (signs with the logo in the same colour as the trail on the cards; initially, the signs will be brief, bearing a number and the name of the geotrail and the geosite and, later, they will include further interpretative information) at the points of interest described in these cards. That is why it is a good idea to observe carefully the route you are covering, for relevant signs. Before you set off, make sure you read all the commentary in the cards regarding your route. All the trails are relatively easy. What you need is a car in good condition, appropriate clothing, hiking boots, some equipment (e.g. walking stick, torch...), water, food and good company. In order for you to acquire a better understanding of the area, four different geotrails have been designed, covering the entire area and its most important sights.

This first pilot attempt at tracing geotrails focused on the geotrails running along existing roads or open paths with a minimum of marking. In a few cases, the geosites at the core of the trails may be located

within private, archaeological or protected sites. Geohikers should behave accordingly in each case, respect the rights of the landowners or the rules of the sites and try to maintain them in the best condition possible.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Submarine slumpingTripiti beach

CODE OF CONDUCT OF THE RESPONSIBLE HIKER

WARNINGHikers who wish to cover the trails that we propose should know that they are doing so

at their own risk. IGME will bear no responsibility for any events that might occur.

For information, publications, studies and maps on the geology of Greece or of specific Greek regions, contact INSTITUTE OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL EXPLORATION OF GREECE.

Evaluation form of this publication is to be found at http://www.igme.grYour opinion will be very helpful for its improvement.

If an accident occurs, notify emergency services (166)

immediately.

Use the geologist's hammerwisely.

Do not leave any waste material behind.

Do not damage fences or walls.

Be carefulwhen lighting fires!

If you see fire burning,call the fire brigade (199)

immediately.

Car in good condition, preferably 4 x 4.

Park carefully, so that you do not obstruct entry to or exit

from a place.

Avoid aimlessly collecting minerals or fossils.

Mineral and fossils are more valuable when encountered in

their natural context.

Wear clothing that is appropriately warm or cool,

depending on the time of year. Use walking footwear (preferably hiking boots).

When you hike along a trail, keep in mind that this is a, public or private, protected area. The environment is a source of knowledge, fitness, pleasure and recreation on condition that you treat it with care. It is, therefore,

desirable to follow some basic rules.

3

MAP OF THE AREA OF INTERESTWITH THE SUGGESTED GEOTRAILS

The island’s natural and geo-archaeo-mining heritage is extremely rich and varied. Thassos is characterised by an abundance of natural mineral resources, which account for the presence of abandoned mines. The mines were active from ancient times until the 1950s, turning out basic and valuable metals, iron ore and decorative materials (marbles). As a matter of fact, the mining gallery located at Tzines is a unique testimony of what could possibly be the most ancient mining gallery in Europe. Besides its mineral wealth, and obviously due to it, Thassos

presents a great variety of representative geological sites or geosites. It is, therefore, an open “book of geology” that holds many “keys” to the interpretation of Rhodopi’s geological history. World-class geoscientists have studied the geology of Thassos

The overthrust surface at Fari

Natural and cultural heritage of the area

in the last few years, publishing numerous scientific papers. The island is a regular destination of people with a special interest in geology and it can become a

popular destination of organised geotourism for larger groups, if proper attention and promotion is provided for its geosites, as well as for its geomineral and geoarchaeological sites. Its lush forests, intense geomorphology and amazing beaches yet another advantage

of the island. The archaeological monuments of Thassos – most of which are directly connected with its mineral history – along with its remarkable

Archaeological Museum at Limenas constitute an excellent attraction for cultural tourism.

“Palataki” at Limenaria

Banded iron formations

The most ancient mining gallery in Europe, at Tzines

The Koumaria iron mineAncient Pb – Zn quarries at Koumaria

4From a geological point of view, Thassos belongs to the crystalline schistose Rhodopi Massif and is formed by alternating marbles, gneisses and schists, as the mainland across it. Its marbles are equivalent to the marbles of Mount Falakro, in the Drama area, which belong to the Rhodopi Massif, as well. The limited presence of the Serbomacedonian Massif, which is overthrust upon the Rhodopi Massif, can only be inferred in certain parts of Southern and Southwestern Thassos, thus rendering them a point of interest (geosites) for our

geotrails. Therefore, the island of Thassos was once part of the mainland and is made up of the same alternations of gneisses and marbles, with numerous minerals and dense accumulations of lead, zinc, iron and manganese in the

Isoclinal fold/faultat the Alyki area

A FEW WORDS ABOUT GEOLOGY

abandoned mines at Vouves and Mavrolakkas. Valuable metals are mainly found inside the marble. These rocks date back to the Palaeozoic era (at least 400 million years ago), whereas their metamorphism and tectonics date back to the Mesozoic era. In SW Thassos, there are more recent sediments, dating back to the Miocene (25 million years ago), formed by conglomerates, sandstones and argillaceous sediments. The tectonics of Thassos is extremely interesting. There are three sites where one can observe what is thought to be the overthrust of the Serbomacedonian Massif onto the Rhodopi Massif. In many parts of the island, there are important occurrences of BIF-Banded Iron Formations, a unique geological testimony to the presence of the earlier mineralisation of Rhodopi (120 million years ago, Amov, 1992). Mineralisation appears layered and metamorphosed, with a particularly rich paragenesis of Fe-Mn minerals. Deposits of this kind are classified as being of volcano-sedimentary origin and are very rich in iron and manganese oxides. The structure of these formations (BIF) encompasses repeated thin

layers of iron oxides, alternating with layers of schists and cherts. Some of the most ancient rocks of the Earth (3,000,000,000 years old, 3 Ga), contain Banded Iron Formations, whereas later rocks do not normally contain such formations. These formations belong to the geological formations known by the generic term rythmites and are associated with the climatic changes marking the history of the Earth. Furthermore, the numerous open pit mines for mining iron, and lead and zinc deposits, as well as the renowned white dolomitic marble, render Thassos a place of particular geo-mineral interest that allows scientists and other people to directly observe geological phenomena. In short, Thassos could be an ideal geo-archaeo-mining park; the suggested geotrails attempt to showcase part of it.

Ancient marble quarriesat Archangelos

The Pb – Zn (calamine) open pit mine at the Vouves mine

5A. At approximately 1 km in the East of the village Skala Marion, there is a sign by the Archaeological Council, bearing the name “Fari” and leading to the excavations where the ancient pottery was unearthed. The visitor can stop near the fenced archaeological site by the sea and observe the first site of this geotrail which is of geological interest.

1. It is a typical overthrust surface (photo 1), where rocks of the Serbomacedonian Massif are thrust onto the Rhodopi Massif, i.e. the gneisses and green rocks of the Serbomacedonian Massif are thrust onto the marbles of the Rhodopi Massif. The rocks date from the Palaeozoic era, whereas the metamorphism and the overthrust date from the Mesozoic era. The overthrust can be observed in three sites along our trail, while on the continental side it is observed at the Pyrgos Apollonias site and in the area Northwards of Ofrynio.

B. The second site of geological interest can be reached by moving Eastwards at a distance of 5 km from the previous site.

2. Tripiti beach is a unique sample of a geological formation eroded by the surf beat. The beach is the destination of many tourists during the summer months. The site is adjacent to Limenaria, the old mines, as well as to other geosites of the area, a fact which makes it a potential geotourist attraction.

C. The third site of geological interest, a geosite with characteristic structure, can be reached by moving Eastwards, to a distance of 1 km from the previous site and 1.5 km before Limenaria.

3. Submarine slumping (photo 2). The slumping phenomenon is observed in the Miocene conglomerates that cover extensively this area; it was

GEOTRAIL 1 Skala Marion - Alyki

This geotrail, spanning approximately across 30 km, covers the Southwestern and Southern part of Thassos and for its most part follows the island’s

circumferential paved road. This geotrail is accessible by car.

1. The overthrust surface at Fari(Scala Marion)

2. Submarine landslide with characteristic slumping structures

revealed by the section made during the opening up of the circumferential provincial road of Thassos. The invocation and withdrawal of the sea can also be seen very clearly.

D. Moving on, on the Eastern edge of Limenaria, we can see “Palataki” (“Little palace”, photo 3), a building constructed in 1905, which used to be the headquarters of the “Speidel” mining company. Then, we see a block of industrial buildings, a contemporary of “Palataki”, which the locals call “Metalleia” (Mines) (photo 4). It used to be the processing plant where the Pb-Zn deposits of Thassos were roasted to produce zinc oxide. While still travelling on the circumferential Thassos road, in a short distance from Limenaria, we can admire the next site of geological interest, at the Panorama site.

4. Overthrust surface at Toumba (photo 5). It is the second site where the overthrust mentioned in geosite 1 can be observed; it is the most typical

overthrust in Rhodopi. In this site, as in the previous one, the rocks of the Serbomacedonian Massif are thrust onto the Rhodopi Massif.

E. Moving Northwards on the road and turning a little to the left, into a forest road, we reach the largest calamine mine in Thassos, after travelling 1 km.

5. Calamine mine at Vouves (photo 6). Calamine is the name of sulphuric zinc compounds. At this site, we can observe the ore in the form of replacement veins and pockets, of hydrothermal origin, within the carbonate rocks (marbles). The ore used to be transported from this site to the “Metalleia” plant to be processed. The site of the mine, the metallurgical plant and “Palataki” have been designated as protected sites by the Ministry of Culture, following the sustained efforts of IGME.

F. Moving Eastwards for 3 km, after Potos, we reach the Astris agglomeration, where a forest road, on the right of the circumferential road that we are travelling on, leads us to the next site of observation, 1.5 km away.

4. The metallurgical plant “Metalleia”for the production of ZnO

3. “Palataki” at Limenaria

6. The Pb-Zn (calamine) open pit mine at the Vouves mine

5. Toumba overthrust surface

66. Cape Salonikios overthrust, (photo 7). It is the third site where the overthrust surface can be observed and it is located on the Western side of the Cape, extending for 600 m along the coastline. Certain geological observations and the research conducted in the area have raised some questions and a new field for geological research.

G. Moving Eastwards, we reach Archangelos monastery, which is located in the area where the ancient marble quarries begin to appear. The area encompasses over 70 ancient quarries, which form a cluster covering approximately 7 km2. Marble

exploitation went on constantly from the 5th century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. (photos 8 and 9). The geosite we are going to visit next was the hub where all that activity used to take place.

GEOTRAIL 1 Skala Marion - Alyki (continued )

8-9. Ancient marble quarries at Archangelos

7. Cape Salonikios overthrust surface

7. Ancient quarries at the Alyki Cape (photos 10 and 11).The signs of quarrying are evident on the white, translucent marbles, which supplied the materials for works of art, monuments and numerous ancient temples, from

ancient times to the present – a significant contribution to culture, to art and to technology. The beauty of the landscape with its carved forms and its mounds of old debris, as if conceived by abstract art, stuns because of the inexplicable austerity of the stone. The multi-faceted geometric surfaces resulting from the marble extraction and the natural walls resulting from tectonics, with the landmarks of human exploitation, provide information about geology, tectonics, variations

in sea level, as well as about changes in mining techniques through the ages.

H. On the road to site 7, another site of interest is localized, at the Thimonia Bay.

8. Calamine mine (photo 12). It is the only known mine at sea level, where zinc was exploited.

10-11. Ancient marble quarries at Alyki

12. The calamine mine of Thimonia

7A. We set off from the paved road running between Skala Marion and Maries and we turn left at Agios Eleftherios. We drive for approximately 1 kilometre to the North-West, towards the first site of interest of this geotrail.

1. Koumaria mines (photos 13, 14, 15). These mines are located amid the marbles of the area (Kastro marbles). The mineralisation of the marbles vary from site to site, with ores such as iron, manganese, lead and zinc. The Koumaria mines used

to be the second larger calamine (lead -zinc ores) mine. At the same site, an iron mine was developed during the 1950s.

B. We return to the paved road and follow it in the direction of

GEOTRAIL 2 Skala Marion – Maries

14-15. The iron mine of Koumaria during the period of exploitation

(1950-1960)

13. The Koumaria mine gallery

The distance from the seaside location Skala Marion to Maries in the hinterland is approximately 12 km to the North-East. We are going to visit the Koumaria and Koupanada mines. Bear in mind that these sites can only be reached by travelling on an off-road vehicle, and that some

walking activity is involved.

Maries. Moving Eastwards, we reach the second point of interest within a distance of 2 km.

2. Koupanada iron mine (photo 16) is located amid the marbles of the area, as the mine we have just visited, but the ore mined

here was iron from the sulphuric minerals of paragenesis. Moving Northwards, we reach the traditional Maries village, one of the oldest and most typical villages of the island. It is a mountainous village, built high up in a ravine between two mountain slopes.

16. Fe-mine at Koupanada

8A. We set off from Limenaria and cross Kalyvia, where there is a private Archaeological Museum, owned by Doctor Papageorgiou. Then, after travelling 3 km on a forest road, we reach the entrance of the iron mine, the point of interest of our geotrail.

1. Mavrolakkas mine (photo 17) for iron mining in the 1950s. It is a huge surface of exploitation. The ore deposit created by the circulation of hydrothermal fluids is to be found in the form of veins and lenticular accumulations within the marbles, alternating with

GEOTRAIL 3 Limenaria – Mavrolakkas – Kastro

17. The Mavrolakkas iron mine

The geotrail Limenaria - Kalyvia - Kastro is one of the best known trails to visitors, because of the traditional village of Kastro, which is linked to the geosite. The geotrail can be covered by car, except for the Mavrolakkas and

Tzines, where you should use an off-road vehicle and do some walking.

gneisses. Along with the iron mine deposits on the island of Serifos, it is one of the most interesting iron deposits in Greece.

2. On the Southern side, namely at the Tzines site, we can see what is probably the most ancient mining gallery in Europe (photo 18), which dates back to 18,000 ago and has been the object of research and papers by many scientists. It is an ochre mining gallery.

B. Moving on, we reach Kastro, whose main attractions are the 14th century church (during the Genovese

Gateluzzi rule) and the ancient cemetery. The view from Kastro is spectacular with Mount Athos bordering the West.

3. Travertine of Kastro (photo 19). Travertine deposits of remarkable thickness and extent, formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate from rapidly flowing water. Accumulations of calcium carbonate around vegetation leads to the formation of travertine rocks that show a characteristic porous appearance, inherited from the plants that have since decomposed.

18. The most ancient addit in Europe, at Tzines

19. Traditional settlement of Kastro where travertine layers are distinguished

9A. From Skala Sotiros, on the West side of the island, we can visit the old Sotiras village. One kilometre before the village, there is a geosite of particular interest along the paved road.

1. BIF occurrences (photos 20 and 21).These occurrences are of great importance, as they are a unique geological testimony to the presence of the earlier mineralisation of Rhodopi (120 million years ago). The mineralisation is layered and metamorphosed, with particularly rich paragenesis of Fe-Mn minerals.

B. Then, moving Eastwards on the forest road, we can visit an important mine.

2. Calamine mine at Sotiras (photo 22). It used to be one of the most important mining centres at the beginning of the last century.

GEOTRAIL 4 Skala Sotiros – Sotiras

22. Calamine mine at Sotiras

20-21. Occurrences of Banded Iron Formation (BIF)

The geotrail can be covered by car, except for the Sotiras mine, where you should use an off-road vehicle and do some walking.

Ancient marble quarrie at Alyki

Cape Salonikios overthrust surface

Tripiti beach