16/08/2023
Monastery with altarpiece, golden altar and museum of icons.
Chrissoskalitisa Monastery (Golden Staircase) is dating from the 12th century, it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. According to a beautiful legend, one of the 90 steps of the staircase going down to the sea is made of gold, but only pure hearts, washed of all sin, can see it. The annual celebration takes place on August 15 (as yesterday) when is the largest religious celebration in Crete, on the occasion of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. A lot of Greeks but also tourists make a stop in theis monastery on their way to the fabulous beach of Elafonissi. They admire the altarpiece and the golden altar of the church, as well as the two museums of icons from the 16th and 19th centuries. This monastery was used as a prison by the Germans & Italians during the Second World War.