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St Anthony's Shrine, Colombo

4.5
#3 of 34 in Historic Sites in Colombo
Church · Hidden Gem · Tourist Spot
Though a Catholic cathedral, St Anthony's Shrine represents a welcoming and important pilgrimage place for Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians alike. The 19-century church stands on the site where Friar Anthony--persecuted by the Dutch authorities as a Catholic--performed a miracle by making the sea recede. Visitors of all faiths come to celebrate the intriguing and mystical history here. Tuesdays, dedicated to St. Anthony, tend to be the busiest, with masses held throughout the day. While this may offer the ideal opportunity to see the church at its best, visiting at other times will afford a quieter experience. Plan to visit St Anthony's Shrine and other customer-reviewed, writer-recommended Colombo attractions using our Colombo trip maker tool.
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Tours to St Anthony's Shrine

FROM $75 BOOK WITH VIATOR Colombo Sightseeing and Shopping Private Tour Including Lunch
4.8
Duration: 8 hours
Tours from $75 »
FROM $32 BOOK WITH VIATOR Shore Excursion from Colombo Port Terminal : Explore By Your Own Plans
Duration: 12 hours
Tours from $32 »
FROM $20 BOOK WITH VIATOR Half Day Colombo City Tour
Duration: 1 to 4 hours
Tours from $20 »

St Anthony's Shrine reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
273 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By Symphony15
    One of the most visited shrines in Sri Lanka, Place of many miracles, bombed by Islamic extremists, restored to its original glory. Must visit place regardless of the faith. Weekdays mid-morning is...  more »
  • By elwatidy
    Its a beautiful church . Do not miss the outdoor as well as it has a beautiful statue of St.Anthony .  more »
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Google
  • By Jerome Dias
    Simply a place with miracles. Just go in faith n ask in faith & it will be done to you. Dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua Italy. Crowded on Tuesday and Sunday. But weekday evening you can enter the church with a long queue. Take no bags as they are checking everything after the recent terrorist attack on the church. Its a Holy place don't ruin the nature of it.
  • By Sasanka Nanayakkara
    4/21 Easter attached church has been renovated by Sri lankan Navy under the direction of church. It is excellent work completed within very short time period. Still you can see the damage that took place on 21 April boom blast.
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