CHANIA

   The monastery of Chrissoskalitissa lies in the southwest of Crete. It rises on a cliff directly above the water with a wonderful view over the Libyan Sea.

   During the Venetian period the monastery of St. Nicolas stood on the site of the present-day monastery.

   The name Chrissoskalitissa means "Golden Steps". In accordance with a legend, one of the 90 steps leading up to the monastery is made of gold, but only those who are pure and free from sin are able to see the step.

   Others believe that the golden step had existed in former times but the monks were forced to sell it in the early years of the Turkish rule in order to help the Patriarchy of Constantinople to pay off its debts.

   At the beginning of the Turkish occupation, the monastery was deserted and the whole vicinity of Chrissoskalitissa was uninhabited. There were only a few cottages for the farmers, who spent the summer here. In those days the monastery was the only shelter for the fishermen and seamen caught in stormy seas.

   The monastery was deserted until 1855. In that year a monk from Askifou renovated the monastery, built guest rooms, storerooms and cells. The present day church was built and consecrated in 1894.

   South of the monastery is the beautiful beach of Elafonisi.