Must Visit Categories: Attractions Chania Attractions

Our journey to the southwestern edge of Chania, on the path leading to the enchanting Elafonisi village, brought us to the historical Monastery of Panagia Chrissoskalitissa. Perched atop a commanding cliff, overlooking the azure expanse of the beach below, the monastery offered a serene welcome with its pristine white walls gleaming under the Cretan sun.

A Name Wrapped in Legend

The monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, carries the intriguing name Chrissoskalitissa, which translates to “golden steps.” Legend whispers of one of the 90 steps leading to the monastery being forged in gold, visible only to those with pure hearts. While we climbed, each step seemed to hold the promise of a hidden marvel, urging us to reflect on our own purity of heart.

Venetian Origins and Turbulent Times

Built during the Venetian era on the grounds of the ancient Agios Nikolaos monastery, Chrissoskalitissa’s precise origins remain shrouded in mystery. Its history, marked by periods of desertion during the Turkish occupation, tells a tale of resilience. Once abandoned, save for a few scattered cottages, it served as a beacon of hope for storm-battered seamen seeking refuge.

A Monk’s Vision Rekindled

In 1855, a monk from Askifou breathed new life into the monastery. His efforts to renovate and expand, building new cells, ensured Chrissoskalitissa’s continuous habitation to this day. The monastery now stands as a testament to faith and determination, welcoming pilgrims and visitors to explore its sacred halls.

A Pilgrimage Site of Faith and History

Today, Panagia Chrissoskalitissa Monastery is more than a place of worship; it’s a beacon for pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike. The rooms, open to the public, house a folklore museum where daily utensils, instruments, and memorials of the Cretan Revolution are displayed, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who found solace and strength within these walls.

Our Experience Among Sacred Walls

Walking through the monastery, the blend of divine tranquility and historical depth was palpable. Each artifact in the museum told a story, each view from the cliff a verse of natural poetry. Our visit to Panagia Chrissoskalitissa was not just a journey through a scenic landscape but a pilgrimage of the spirit, where the tales of faith, struggle, and rebirth whispered with every golden step we took.