St. Anne's National Shrine - Thalawila | සා. ආනා ජාතික සිද්ධස්ථානය - තලවිල | புனித அன்னம்மாள் தேசிய யாத்திரை ஸ்தலம் - தலவில்ல

My pilgrimage to St. Anne's National Shrine in Thalawila was a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in a sense of peace and tranquility. The shrine is beautifully maintained, with lush gardens and a serene atmosphere.

I spent several hours exploring the shrine, visiting the various chapels and prayer areas. I was particularly moved by the statue of St. Anne, which is said to be miraculous. I lit a candle and prayed for my family and friends.

I left St. Anne's National Shrine feeling refreshed and renewed. I am grateful for the opportunity to have visited this sacred place. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a spiritual retreat or a place to simply pray and reflect.

This is an ancient Catholic church in sri Lanka. Only second to Shrine of our Lady of Madu. Thaumaturgy ancient mother Mary's statue in the church. Also, anyone's can visit this religious place and should behave well and wear properly.

St. Anne’s Church in Thalawila is one of the most ancient and wonderful of all Christian shrines in Sri Lanka. A place visited by thousands of pilgrims in every day. Close to Kalpitiya, the St.Anne’s Church is easy to access with the roads in good condition and offering some stunning views of the Talawila Beach in peace

Religious place of Catholics
Had a quick visit during our #roadtrip #mothermary

This is one of the most venerated shrines among Catholic devotees. The foundation stone was laid in 1837 and completed in 1843. The little chapel was built in 1877. For more than 150 years this church has attracted thousands of pious devotees from every province of Sri Lanka. Located beside the Stunning views of the Talawila beach. Very calm, quiet, silent, and peaceful place. The ideal place to spend a few days. There are many houses available near the church and you can rent them at a very convenient price. Ample parking space available. Enough washroom and toilet facilities are available. Fish market and vegetable markets are located nearby.

The very first national catholic shrine in Sri Lanka. Located in the Kalpitiya peninsula. Come for the worship. Dedicated the shrine to St. Anne's (Jesus's grandmother).

This Catholic shrine has long been revered by Sri Lankan Roman Catholic devotees for its significance in their faith. Dedicated to Saint Anne, it has been a place of devotion and love for generations. Even today, it remains a primary shrine for those seeking to experience kindness and compassion.

Blessed!!!
I have been visiting this Shrine for more than 30 years...so blessed to ge here.
Most of the catholics living in coastal area used to visit here. People usually stay for more 2 days...before Church feast.there are 2 feasts celebrations annually. One on march and other on August....
St.Anns blessings are always with us.

A sacred church of great pilgrimage value. Located in a peaceful environment

It's one of very devoted and blessed places. It's a Catholic church and supervision by archdiocese. We can see a lot of people from all over the country together at the feast of st. Anne's in August first week every year. It's interesting and joyful movements through the festival week and the whole of August.

Calm and quite place with numerous religious specialties.

A great, peaceful religious place. You will have to come and stay for a few days to experience.

I recently had the most awe-inspiring experience at St. Anne's National Shrine in Thalavila. From the moment I stepped inside, the tranquil atmosphere washed over me, instantly filling me with a sense of peace and serenity. The stunning architecture and intricate artwork adorned every corner, captivating my senses and transporting me to a place of divine beauty.

As I explored the shrine, I couldn't help but feel a profound connection to something greater than myself. The ethereal light streaming through the stained glass windows illuminated the space, casting vibrant hues on the polished floors and creating a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors. Each step I took seemed to deepen my spiritual journey, as if the very walls whispered stories of faith and devotion.

The highlight of my visit was witnessing a heartfelt mass led by the devoted priests. The powerful hymns and melodic chants echoed through the halls, stirring my soul and bringing tears of joy to my eyes. The sense of community and shared devotion was palpable, and I felt truly blessed to be a part of such a profound spiritual experience.

Outside the shrine, the beautifully manicured gardens provided a tranquil oasis for contemplation and reflection. I found solace in the peaceful ambiance, surrounded by vibrant flowers and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. It was a moment of serenity that will forever remain etched in my heart.

St. Anne's National Shrine in Thalavila is not just a place of worship; it is a sanctuary of peace and spiritual rejuvenation. Whether you seek solace, inspiration, or simply a moment of respite from the outside world, this sacred place will leave an indelible mark on your soul. I am truly grateful for the profound experience I had and will cherish the memories forever.

A religious place. Located in a natural environment near the beach. A place that calms the mind.

This is one of the oldest & most venerated Catholic churches in Sri Lanka.
It's really calm around the area...
Other than Catholics, non-catholics of various religious groups come to worship.

The Thalawila St. Anne's church is one of the oldest Catholic church in the country.

There are two stories about the formation of the church.

The most popular account is about a European sailor who got shipwrecked near the coast of Kalpitiya. He had been aboard a Portuguese ship dedicated to St. Anne. After his survival he vowed to build a church dedicated to St. Anne in gratitude for saving his life.

The second story is of a poverty stricken Portuguese man who went in search of employment from Mannar to Colombo. During his return journey he felt a sleep and saw St Anne's in his dreams commanding him to build a church at the sight.

The construction of the present church began in 1837 by Fr. Pedro Caetano. Today the church is visited by many Catholics in the country specially during the annual 7 day feast in the first week of August.

Most peaceful church i have visited. Good to spend spiritual time or a spiritual break

Very secret place where lot of miracles happens... Normally two major feasts take place... one in March and one in August..

Some parishes do also have their own time to visit this church.. Almost a camping experience and now hotels and rooms seems to be building up rapidly..

If you need a miracle to be happened.. go to this church..

I found some old pics, thought of uploading for you to see and feel how this church was those days and a pic to see how it is today..

This is the oldest church in Sri Lanka. The surrounding is really calm and peaceful. But it might get a lot crowded in the season. The beach near the church is also beautiful.

An ancient Christian church with a historical value. A large number of pilgrims pay homage in March and August months.