Historical background
The shrine has welcomed pilgrims for centuries and was formally built in 1843 on the spot where a sailor, blown off-course in the 17th century, found shelter and vowed to build a church to St Anne after his miraculous rescue. It is especially famous for its annual feast honouring Saint Anne, celebrated by Catholics from Sri Lanka and abroad.
Religious significance
Dedicated to Saint Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary — one of Sri Lanka's largest Catholic pilgrimage centres, associated with family devotion, healing and thanksgiving.
Architecture
Beautiful coastal church with pilgrim accommodation and open prayer grounds facing the Indian Ocean.
Historical timeline
- 17th c.Sailor's vow leads to first chapel on this site.
- 1843Present shrine church built.
- Annually26 July feast draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.
Cultural importance
The largest St Anne's pilgrimage in South Asia, deeply woven into the coastal Catholic identity of the North-Western Province.
Visitor experience
An isolated golden-sand setting on the Kalpitiya peninsula. Pair the visit with kitesurfing or a whale and dolphin trip out of Kalpitiya.
Things to do
- ✦Attend the feast-day Mass
- ✦Walk the beachfront Stations of the Cross
- ✦Combine with Kalpitiya dolphin watching
Visitor information
Interesting facts
- ✦More than 300 years of Catholic pilgrimage history.
- ✦One of Sri Lanka's largest annual Christian pilgrimages.
- ✦Dedicated to Saint Anne, patron saint of mothers and families.
- ✦Thousands of pilgrims travel on foot as an act of devotion during the annual feast.
- ✦Pilgrims from every religion regularly visit seeking blessings and healing.
- ✦Plays an important role in promoting interfaith harmony in Sri Lanka.
- ✦Its coastal location makes it one of the country's most scenic pilgrimage destinations.
