Chrysoskalitissa Monastery

The Monastery of Panagia Chrysoskalitissa is located on the southwest coast of Crete, on a rock that rises 35 meters above the sea.

The monastery probably existed as early as the Venetian period. During this time and under the Ottomans, the monastery is said to have been dedicated to Saint Nicholas.

Construction of the present church began in 1894, and it was consecrated that same year on the patronage of the Assumption of Mary.

Traditionally, the name Chrysoskalitissa comes from the fact that one of the 98 steps leading to the top of the monastery was made of gold; hence the name "Golden Steps". However, the step was allegedly sold to the Ottomans when the monks paid their taxes. During the Turkish occupation, the monastery is said to have illegally housed a school for Greek children.

During the German occupation the monastery housed resistance fighters, which is why German soldiers settled there from 1943 onwards after expelling the monks. As soon as the Germans withdrew after the end of the war, monks returned to the monastery in 1944.
Most of the monastery including the museum was locked, but the church was open."