The Literary Association “Chrysostomos” is the oldest intellectual and cultural association not only in the city of Chania, but also in the whole of Crete. It was founded in 1899 and was initially active in matters of a broader social and educational nature. When this care came under the jurisdiction of the Greek State, the Association focused mainly on the spiritual and cultural sector. The contribution of the Association to the intellectual, social and generally cultural movement of the city was and is significant.
The Association is historically linked to the early years of the Cretan State (1898 – 1913). The building that houses the “Chrysostomos” is located on Halidon Street, almost opposite the Municipal Gallery and is a typical example of the neoclassical trend in Crete. Lectures, honorary events for prominent people of letters and arts, musical events and art exhibitions are held in its magnificent and renovated space.
“Chrysostomos” is closely linked to the institution of the Cretan Congresses, the most important international scientific event in Crete in the field of Cretan studies. It is held every five years in a different prefecture of the island and brings together a very large number of scientists from all over the world, more than 700. The 2nd and the 6th Cretological Congress had been held in Chania in 1966 and 1986. According to the decision of the Plenary Session of the Th Congress, in Elounda in 2001, Chrysostomos was entrusted with the organization of the next Congress, the I Congress, which was held again in Chania in the autumn of 2006, after twenty years.
