St. Anthony's Shrine Kochchikade
A 19th-century Catholic shrine in Colombo, famed for a relic of St. Anthony's tongue and a symbol of resilience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Quieter atmosphere for reflection
St. Anthony's Shrine Kochchikade
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere for reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 19th-century Catholic shrine in Colombo, famed for a relic of St. Anthony's tongue and a symbol of resilience.
"A peaceful and sacred place offering quiet strength and hope to all who enter, regardless of background."
🚶♀️ Best way to arrive
Arriving by foot is recommended due to limited parking. Enjoy the vibrant surroundings of this busy area.
🙏 Dress modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred Catholic church.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shrine of St. Anthony
Main Altar
The heart of the shrine, believed to hold a relic of St. Anthony's tongue, drawing pilgrims seeking blessings and miracles.
Remnants of the 2019 Blast
Designated Area
A preserved pockmarked floor serves as a poignant reminder of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, highlighting resilience and hope.
Religious Items Shop
Within the Shrine Complex
Find statues, medals, and other devotional items, including Virgin Mary statues, perfect for gifts or personal devotion.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Respectful Attire and Devotion
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Best way to arrive
Arriving by foot is recommended due to limited parking. Enjoy the vibrant surroundings of this busy area.
🙏 Dress modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred Catholic church.
✨ Seek blessings
Many believe prayers are answered here; visit with a pure heart and true intention.
🛍️ Religious items available
A shop within the shrine sells religious items, including statues of the Virgin Mary.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Best way to arrive
Arriving by foot is recommended due to limited parking. Enjoy the vibrant surroundings of this busy area.
🙏 Dress modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred Catholic church.
✨ Seek blessings
Many believe prayers are answered here; visit with a pure heart and true intention.
🛍️ Religious items available
A shop within the shrine sells religious items, including statues of the Virgin Mary.
🛡️ Security is tight
Expect enhanced security measures upon entry, a common practice in busy areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe St. Anthony's Shrine as a peaceful, sacred, and deeply spiritual place that welcomes people of all faiths. It's highly recommended for those seeking blessings, healing, or a quiet space for reflection, with many believing their prayers have been answered here. The shrine's resilience after the 2019 bombings is also a notable aspect.
"A peaceful and sacred place in Colombo, known for its spiritual calm and deep devotion. Welcoming any people of all faiths, it stands as a symbol of faith, healing, and unity,offering quiet strength and hope to all who enter."
Ridma Dilshan
"Highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual connection, seek blessings, or simply find a peaceful space to reflect. No matter your background or beliefs, there’s something deeply healing and powerful about St. Anthony’s Shrine."
Chiran Keerthisinghe
"It is a Catholic church in the Archdiocese of Colombo in Sri Lanka. On 21 April 2019, Easter Sunday, the church was one in a series of targets of a string of suicide bomb blasts across Sri Lanka - at least 93 people were killed in the blast. It has been renovated and open to public. It is a popular church in a busy area. Getting there by foot is the best - limited parking. Security is tight nowadays. You can see a preserved pock marked floor area that that was affected by the blast as a reminder. There is a free tour guide of the area but you are expected to donate to the church at the end of the tour. Area inside is mostly level and under cover. Interesting historical place to visit"
s vivekananda
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The shrine is located in a busy area of Colombo. Many visitors find that arriving by foot is the most convenient option due to limited parking availability. Public transport options are also available, but walking allows you to soak in the local atmosphere.
Parking near St. Anthony's Shrine can be very limited, especially during peak times. It's advisable to plan your transportation accordingly and consider walking or using public transport to avoid any parking hassles.
Exploring the area on foot is highly recommended. It allows you to appreciate the bustling environment and easily access the shrine without worrying about parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to St. Anthony's Shrine is generally free. However, donations are gratefully accepted to support the upkeep of the church and its services.
The shrine is typically open daily, but specific hours can vary. It's best to visit during daylight hours to experience its full ambiance. Many find weekday mornings to be the most peaceful.
No, tickets are not required to visit St. Anthony's Shrine. It's an open place of worship, and visitors are welcome to enter freely.
Yes, as it is a sacred Catholic church, visitors are requested to dress modestly. It's advisable to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious site.
Yes, Tuesdays are often considered a special day for St. Anthony's prayers, and many devotees visit on this day. However, the shrine is open for prayer and reflection throughout the week.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
St. Anthony's Shrine is renowned for its spiritual calm and deep devotion. It's believed to be a place where prayers are answered and miracles occur, drawing people of all faiths seeking peace and blessings.
Absolutely. The shrine is welcoming to people of all faiths and backgrounds. It stands as a symbol of unity and offers a peaceful space for reflection and spiritual connection to everyone.
Inside, you'll find the main altar with a relic believed to be part of St. Anthony's tongue. There's also a preserved area showing the pockmarked floor from the 2019 Easter Sunday blasts, serving as a reminder of resilience.
Free tour guides are sometimes available, with donations expected at the end. These guides can offer insights into the history and significance of the shrine.
The area inside the shrine is mostly level and under cover, making it generally accessible. Visitors have noted it's a comfortable space to navigate.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
St. Anthony's Shrine itself has a shop within its complex that sells religious items, including statues of the Virgin Mary and other devotional objects.
Being in a busy area of Colombo, there are numerous dining options available near the shrine, ranging from local eateries to more established restaurants. You'll find plenty of choices to suit your taste and budget.
📸 📸 Photography
While specific rules can vary, it's generally respectful to refrain from taking photos during prayer services or of individuals without their consent. Capturing the architecture and general ambiance might be permissible, but always be mindful of others.
The exterior architecture of the church and the preserved blast remnants can be significant photographic subjects. The religious items shop also offers unique visual opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that it's a sacred space, so encouraging quiet behavior is important. The preserved blast area can be a somber but important educational point about resilience, depending on the age of your children. Arriving by foot is often easier than navigating parking with a family.
🙏 Devout Pilgrims
Come with a pure heart and a genuine intention to pray. Many visitors attest to feeling a profound sense of peace and experiencing their prayers being answered. The shrine's atmosphere is conducive to deep reflection and a personal connection with the divine.
🏛️ History and Culture Enthusiasts
Learning about the shrine's role as a target and its subsequent renovation offers insights into Sri Lanka's recent past and the resilience of its people. The presence of the relic of St. Anthony's tongue also connects visitors to centuries of religious tradition and pilgrimage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of St. Anthony's Tongue Relic
Many visitors report feeling a profound spiritual connection and a sense of peace when praying before this relic. The shrine's reputation for answered prayers and ongoing miracles is deeply intertwined with the veneration of St. Anthony and this sacred artifact. It's a powerful symbol of faith for many who come seeking solace and divine intervention.
While the shrine is Catholic, its welcoming nature means people from all walks of life and faiths visit. The presence of this relic adds a unique layer of historical and spiritual significance, drawing those who wish to connect with a revered saint and experience the shrine's sacred atmosphere.
Resilience and Remembrance: The 2019 Easter Sunday Bombings
Following the devastating attacks, the shrine has been renovated and has reopened to the public. A poignant feature within the shrine is a preserved section of the floor that was pockmarked by the blast. This area serves as a solemn reminder of the tragedy, but also as a symbol of the community's resilience and determination to rebuild and continue their faith.
Despite the past trauma, the shrine continues to be a vibrant center of worship and a place of hope. The tight security measures in place today reflect the ongoing need for vigilance, but they do not detract from the spiritual atmosphere. Visitors often find the preserved blast area to be a powerful testament to faith and perseverance.
A Hub for Devotional Items
Travelers have specifically noted that this shop is a good place to find statues of the Virgin Mary, as well as other devotional objects like medals and prayer cards. This makes the shrine a one-stop destination for those looking to deepen their spiritual practice or find meaningful souvenirs.
The availability of these items within the shrine grounds adds to the overall experience, allowing visitors to take a piece of the shrine's sanctity home with them. It reinforces the shrine's role not just as a place of worship, but also as a center for religious community and practice.
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