Holy Ground
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Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Ann

4.7
·187 reviews·Scranton, United States

A serene National Shrine dedicated to St. Ann, offering a peaceful sanctuary for prayer, reflection, and exploration of devotional areas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer Novena

Experience a special time of devotion

CrowdHigh
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Holy Ground

Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Ann

Best Time

Summer Novena

Experience a special time of devotion

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene National Shrine dedicated to St. Ann, offering a peaceful sanctuary for prayer, reflection, and exploration of devotional areas.

4.7
(187 reviews)

"Adore this place. Beautifully kept grounds- a lot of open space with specific devotional area."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Explore the Grounds

Wander the beautifully kept grounds with devotional areas and enjoy peaceful moments outside. :park:

🛍️ Gift Shop Treasures

Check out the gift shop for great prices on Catholic items and unique souvenirs. :gift:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

St. Ann's Grotto

St. Ann's Grotto

On-site devotional area

A serene space for candle lighting and personal prayers, offering a moment of quiet reflection.

Beautifully Kept Grounds

Beautifully Kept Grounds

Exterior of the Basilica

Explore open spaces with dedicated devotional areas, including Stations of the Cross and a Padre Pio shrine.

On-Site Gift Shop

On-Site Gift Shop

Inside the Basilica

Find a wonderful selection of Catholic items, from prayer booklets to olive wood crucifixes, at great prices.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to St. Ann's Basilica

Discover the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Ann, a spiritual haven. Consider visiting during the summer novena for a special experience, though expect more visitors then. The grounds offer peaceful spots for reflection year-round.

Gift Shop & Devotional Areas

Don't miss the on-site gift shop, praised for its excellent prices on Catholic items like prayer booklets and olive wood crucifixes. Explore devotional areas, including St. Ann's Grotto for candle lighting and prayer.

Best Times

When
Summer Novena
Why
Experience a special time of devotion
Crowd
High
When
Year-round
Why
Peaceful reflection and beautiful grounds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Explore the Grounds

Wander the beautifully kept grounds with devotional areas and enjoy peaceful moments outside. :park: Reddit

🛍️ Gift Shop Treasures

Check out the gift shop for great prices on Catholic items and unique souvenirs. :gift: Reddit

🕯️ Candle Lighting

Visit St. Ann's Grotto to light a prayer candle and find a moment of quiet contemplation. :candle: Reddit

📖 Little Free Library

Discover faith-related materials at the Little Free Library located out front. :books: Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Explore the Grounds

Wander the beautifully kept grounds with devotional areas and enjoy peaceful moments outside. :park: Reddit

🛍️ Gift Shop Treasures

Check out the gift shop for great prices on Catholic items and unique souvenirs. :gift: Reddit

🕯️ Candle Lighting

Visit St. Ann's Grotto to light a prayer candle and find a moment of quiet contemplation. :candle: Reddit

📖 Little Free Library

Discover faith-related materials at the Little Free Library located out front. :books: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(187 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Ann for its serene atmosphere, beautifully maintained grounds, and welcoming spirit. Many highlight the Grotto for prayer and the on-site gift shop for its excellent selection and prices. It's a place that offers peace and spiritual reflection to all who visit, regardless of their faith background.

"Excellent in every regard and the on-site gift shop has the best prices of any Catholic item shop I have yet been to. I highly recommend checking that out. There is a wonderful selection of sacraments prayer booklets. Crucifix's made from Jerusalem Olive Wood votive candles and much more. Please do not forget to check out the little Free library out front as well. It is often filled with faith-related material as well"

George Coggins

"I actually am not Catholic. However I've been going there for 20 years. I actually only go there to light prayer candles and have Moments by myself with God. Within the timeline that I've been going there I never been bothered by anyone about the timeline I spend there, even though I don't worship there. Besides the lighting of the candles, they have a beautiful view on the property, with plenty of benches outside to just sit. There is so much to view. It's definitely worth visiting, if anything. I don't know any other Church that allows you to roam the property and doesn't solicit. I am grateful for the moments that I spent meditating and praying there over the years"

Matthew Millard

"Short visit. Looks like an active parish with a beautiful church."

K Day

What People Like

Peaceful and welcoming atmosphere
Beautifully kept grounds
Excellent gift shop prices

What People Dislike

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Information on specific directions and public transport options would be helpful here. As it's a shrine, many visitors likely drive. Consider checking local transit apps or the shrine's official website for the most up-to-date travel advice.

Parking availability is crucial for visitors driving to the Basilica. It's common for religious sites to have dedicated parking lots, but it's always wise to confirm this in advance.

Yes, the Basilica is a popular destination for day trips, offering a peaceful retreat and spiritual experience within a manageable timeframe.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Basilica itself is typically free, as it's an active place of worship. However, special events or tours might have associated costs. It's best to check their official website for any specific ticketing information.

Visiting hours can vary, especially for active parishes. It's recommended to check the official website for the most current hours of operation to ensure you can visit during your planned time.

Generally, the grounds of religious shrines are open to the public without an admission fee, encouraging visitors to explore and reflect. This seems to be the case here, with visitors appreciating the freedom to roam. Reddit

As an active parish, the Basilica likely holds regular masses. Information on mass schedules can usually be found on their official website or by contacting the parish directly.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors often highlight the serene St. Ann's Grotto for candle lighting, the beautifully maintained grounds with devotional areas like the Stations of the Cross, and the informative tours. Reddit

Absolutely. Visitors from various backgrounds appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, beautiful grounds, and opportunities for quiet reflection and prayer, even if they don't worship there. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended for a comprehensive and informative experience of the Basilica and its history. Reddit

The grounds feature specific devotional areas, including St. Ann's Grotto for candle lighting, Stations of the Cross, and a shrine dedicated to Padre Pio. Reddit

The Basilica is known for its welcoming atmosphere, allowing visitors to spend time meditating and praying on the property without being bothered. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the Basilica itself may not have a full-service restaurant, there might be a small cafe or vending machines. It's advisable to check their website or inquire directly for any available food services.

Exploring the surrounding area for local eateries is a great idea. Depending on the location, you might find charming cafes, family-friendly restaurants, or local diners offering diverse cuisines.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary in religious sites. It's generally respectful to avoid flash photography and be mindful of ongoing services. Check for any posted signs or inquire with staff.

The exterior architecture, the beautifully maintained grounds, devotional areas like the Grotto, and the Stations of the Cross offer excellent photographic opportunities.

Drone usage is often restricted at religious sites and public spaces due to privacy and safety concerns. It's highly recommended to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Ann offers a peaceful environment that can be suitable for families. The beautifully kept grounds provide open spaces for children to explore, and the various devotional areas can offer quiet moments for reflection. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed experience for younger children. Reddit

While not a typical 'kid-centric' attraction, the serene atmosphere and the opportunity to light a candle at the Grotto can be a meaningful experience for older children. The on-site gift shop might also have small, faith-based items that could serve as a nice memento for children. Reddit

🙏 Spiritual Seekers & Pilgrims

For those on a spiritual journey or seeking a pilgrimage, the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Ann is an ideal destination. Its designation as a National Shrine signifies its importance and draw for those seeking a deeper connection with their faith. The St. Ann's Grotto is a focal point for prayer and candle lighting, offering a direct avenue for spiritual expression. Reddit

Visitors appreciate the freedom to spend ample time on the grounds for meditation and prayer without feeling rushed or solicited, which is a rare and valued quality. The presence of various devotional areas, including those dedicated to Padre Pio and the Stations of the Cross, further enhances the pilgrimage experience, allowing for a rich and personal spiritual engagement. Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers & Reflective Visitors

Solo travelers will find the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Ann to be a sanctuary for introspection and peace. The ample open space and numerous benches on the property provide perfect spots for quiet contemplation and enjoying the beautiful views. The welcoming nature of the shrine ensures that individuals can spend as much time as they need in quiet reflection without any pressure. Reddit

Even those who are not Catholic have found solace and peace here, using the space for personal moments with God. The ability to roam the property freely and the absence of solicitations make it an exceptionally comfortable and respectful environment for anyone seeking a moment of quiet in their travels. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Spiritual Significance of St. Ann's Basilica

The Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Ann is a significant religious landmark, dedicated to the mother of the Virgin Mary. It serves as a place of pilgrimage and devotion for many. Visitors often come seeking spiritual solace, to light prayer candles, and to engage in personal prayer within its sacred spaces. The shrine's commitment to providing a welcoming environment, even for those not of the Catholic faith, underscores its mission of spiritual outreach and peace. Reddit

Beyond its religious importance, the Basilica is also recognized for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. The grounds are meticulously maintained, offering a tranquil setting for contemplation. This blend of spiritual depth and aesthetic beauty makes it a compelling destination for a wide range of visitors looking for a peaceful escape and a connection to something greater. Reddit

Exploring the Devotional Areas

The grounds of the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Ann are dotted with various devotional areas, each offering a unique space for reflection and prayer. St. Ann's Grotto is a particularly popular spot for candle lighting and personal petitions, providing a quiet corner for visitors to connect with their faith. The Stations of the Cross offer a visual and spiritual journey, allowing visitors to meditate on the Passion of Christ. Reddit

Additionally, the shrine features a dedicated area for Padre Pio, a beloved Italian saint, where visitors can pay their respects. These thoughtfully designed spaces contribute to the overall spiritual experience, encouraging visitors to engage deeply with their faith or find a moment of peace amidst their travels. The presence of a Little Free Library further enhances the community feel, offering faith-related reading materials to all. Reddit

The On-Site Gift Shop Experience

A notable aspect of visiting the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Ann is its on-site gift shop, which has garnered praise for its excellent selection and competitive pricing. Visitors can find a wide array of Catholic items, including prayer booklets, crucifixes crafted from Jerusalem olive wood, votive candles, and various devotional items. Reddit

This shop is a valuable resource for those looking to purchase religious souvenirs, gifts for loved ones, or items to deepen their personal faith practice. The positive reviews suggest that it's a worthwhile stop for anyone visiting the shrine, offering quality products at prices that are hard to beat compared to other religious item shops. Reddit