Collection of the “CHRYSOSTOMOS” LITERARY ASSOCIATION

The “Chrysostomos” Literary Association is the oldest intellectual and cultural association not only in the city of Chania, but also in all of Crete. It was founded in 1899 and was active in issues of a broader social and educational nature. It contributed to the intellectual development of society with lectures, receptions, artistic events, the establishment of schools for the education of young people, the publication of a magazine and the establishment of a library under the name “Athena”. The library was enriched with valuable books and was merged with the library of the Religious Association of Chania “The Apostle Titus”, of the “Cretan Literary Association” and the library of Antonios Giannaris. It will become the largest library in Chania, reaching 16,000 volumes, including 350 old books.

The association’s activities will continue until 1941, when the building was destroyed by German bombing, resulting in the incineration of almost the entire library. However, the association’s archive and a small number of books were saved. In 1970, the association decided to donate approximately 3,000 books to the Municipal Library of Chania.

After the war, the building was repaired and the reopening of the club began in 1964. In 1977, it acquired the photographic archive of Pericles Diamantopoulos, personal photographer of Prince George, and in 1982 he was honored with the silver medal of the Academy of Athens for his contribution to the place.

Today, lectures, conferences, honorary events for prominent people of letters and arts, musical events and art exhibitions are held. It is located at 83 Halidon Street, opposite the Municipal Gallery.