Page 49 - ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL 2022

CHANIA

The Monastery
in the chapel of Agios Ioannis in Agios Antonios, located right next of Panagia
Apopigadi, on the eve of the feast of to the coast, celebrates on July 2. Chrysoskalitissa with
the Saint, the chapel offers incredible On the day, you’ll see pilgrims on its unique views of the
views of Chania, the plain filled the beach as well as other pilgrims Libyan Sea.
with orange producing villages and sleeping in the countryside as part of
lush landscapes, from Kolymbari to the traditional celebrations.
Gramvousa, Akrotiri, Skloka, as well
as the northern side of the White AGIO S KIRIKO S FE S TIVAL -
Mountains. In the morning, visitors LIS SO S (JULY 15)
can also see the beautiful sunrise ---
that emerges out from the sea. The This unique festival takes place in
chapel of Agios Ioannis was built in Selino, a mythical place located 3
1873 which pilgrims once visited on km from Sougia in a verdant valley. A S SUMPTION OF THE OTOK O S
horseback. During that era, fires were Pilgrims begin to arrive in Ancient - CHR Y SO SKALITIS S A,
lit as per the custom of ‘Klidonas’ Lissos on foot or by boats from Sougia EL AFONIS SI (A UGUS T 15)
along with wrestling tournaments, early in the afternoon on the previous ---
unofficial, of course, which once day. Hikers (the trail from Sougia This celebration takes place in the
resulted in real quarrels erupting passes through Ancient Lissos) and beautiful monastery, with its unique
amongst young villagers from the boats transporting pilgrims arrive on views of the Libyan Sea, namely the
surrounding villages! the beach, head to the chapel, attend Monastery of Panagia Chrysoskalitissa, WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EMMANOUIL NTOUKAKIS, SPECIAL TOURISM PARTNER OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CHANIA
the religious ceremony and then set located very close to Elafonissi. The
FE S TIVAL OF AGIO S up the large feast. white monastery is built high up on a
ANTONIO S - SOUGIA, CHAREI large 35 meter rock offering amazing
(JULY 1-2) FE S TIVAL OF AGIA MARINA views over the Libyan Sea. According
--- MONA S TIR AKI RE THYMNON to religious tradition, one of the 90
This unique traditional festival takes (JULY 17) steps, dug into the rockface leading
place in the coastal chapel located --- to the top of the monastery is made of
in Charei and is reached either by Both the picturesque location in which gold, which interestingly “only those
a two hour walk along the E4 trail the festival takes place, along with the that believe can see”. The monastery
leading from Sougia to Agia Roumeli great turnout of pilgrims, is a living is also known for the miraculous icon
boasting views of the Libyan Sea and example of the connection of tradition of the Assumption of Theotokos
the pine tree covered slopes, or by boat with the modern era. All you need is dating back to the second half of the
directly from Sougia. The chapel of to go up to the Rethymnon region. 17th century. •

48 DOME S S T ORIE S