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St. Anne's National Shrine
Situated on the sands of Talawila, this renowned shrine is a place of healing and miracles. Thousands of pilgrims visit during March and August festivals to experience its spiritual setting amidst banyan trees by the sea.
Details of St. Anne's National Shrine - Talawila
Open now
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Paid parking lot
Free parking lot
Overview - St. Anne's National Shrine
St. Anne's National Shrine in Talawila is steeped in legend and history, believed to have been founded in the 17th century by a Portuguese trader whose ship ran aground nearby. As the story goes, he sought refuge under a large Banyan tree and had a vision of St. Anne, leading to the construction of the first humble mud chapel. Today, it has evolved into a magnificent church surrounded by sandy stretches and palm groves, offering a unique spiritual atmosphere where the sound of hymns mingles with the ocean breeze. It is particularly famous for its two major annual festivals in March and August, which transform the quiet grounds into a bustling city of tents as thousands of pilgrims camp out to seek blessings. Beyond its religious significance, the shrine is a testament to the harmony of Sri Lankan culture, welcoming visitors of all backgrounds to experience its peace and serenity.
Tags/ Categories
Highlights
Miraculous Statue of St. Anne
17th Century Origins
Scenic Beachfront Location
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Navigations
Navigations
Talawila Rd., Puttalam 61300 Sri Lanka
Reviews
_booking_with _jera
Last Sunday, I had the incredible opportunity to visit St. Anne’s National Shrine in Thalawila for the annual church feast, and it was truly a profound and spiritually enriching experience. This sacred site, known for its miracles and deep …
9 months ago
Ranga Thilakarathna
A great secret place with a calm vibe and a beautiful surround. It was a great experience to visit a church like this with family
3 weeks ago
Mihai Isuru
A Truly Blessed and Peaceful Place..!! St. Anne's Church in Talavila is one of the most peaceful and spiritually …
8 months ago
Singhe Silva
This is such a quiet and peaceful place which is cleanly maintained. ❤️ The church is big and the outdoor area is also vast.
2 months ago
Lakshan Gunathilaka
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thalawila St. Anne’s Church Thalawila St. Anne’s Church is a beautiful and spiritually significant …
10 months ago
Sashini Kasthuriarachchi
St. Anne’s National Shrine in Thalawila is an iconic destination for many Catholics. This beautiful site, nestled in a serene natural setting, holds great significance for believers, offering a peaceful and spiritually enriching experience. …
8 months ago
Sajeev Jose
It is an old shrine dedicated to St Ann, the mother of Mary, mother of Jesus. The beautiful and spacious church is located on Thalavila beach and is a famous pilgrim centre. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims go there especially on feast …
a year ago
Priyanka Peiris
St. Anne's National Shrine in Thalawila is a place of immense spiritual significance and natural beauty. As one of Sri Lanka's most revered Catholic pilgrimage sites, it attracts devotees from all walks of life, regardless of faith. The …
a year ago
Pasindu Dilshan
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 …
a year ago
Sudara Weersinghe (Kaveesha)
Calm and quiet church in normal days. But very crowded during feast days. You can use two roads from kalpiti main road to visit here. Consist with very beautiful architecture.
3 months ago