St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade
A much-loved Catholic shrine near the harbour revered by people of all faiths, drawing crowds who come to seek the blessings of St. Anthony, especially on Tuesdays.
St. Anthony's Shrine in Kochchikade is one of Colombo's most visited and beloved religious sites, drawing worshippers of all faiths, not just Catholics, who come seeking blessings, healing, and the fulfilment of personal vows. Dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, the shrine's origins trace back to a small chapel built in the 18th century by an Italian Catholic priest, Father Antonio, though the church that stands today took shape gradually over the following two centuries.
What sets St. Anthony's apart is the depth of devotion it commands across religious lines, it's long been known as a place where Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims visit alongside Catholics, drawn by the shrine's reputation for answering prayers and granting wishes, particularly for those facing hardship or in need of a miracle. This quiet, everyday interfaith devotion has made it one of the clearest examples of Sri Lanka's layered religious harmony, a single sacred space shaped by many different faiths.
The shrine gained painful new significance in April 2019, when it was one of the churches targeted in the Easter Sunday bombings, an attack that shook the country and drew global attention to the site. Since then, St. Anthony's has come to represent not just faith and healing, but resilience, rebuilt and reopened, it remains as central to Colombo's spiritual life as ever, its steady stream of visitors a quiet testament to the strength of the devotion it continues to inspire.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Free, donation welcomed
- Opening hours: 5:00am to 8:00pm
- Time needed: 30 minutes
- Best time: Tuesdays, or the feast in June
Getting there
At Kochchikade near the port in northern Colombo.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade?
- Free, donation welcomed.
- What are the opening hours at St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade?
- 5:00am to 8:00pm.
- How long should I spend at St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade?
- Plan for 30 minutes.
- When is the best time to visit St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade?
- Tuesdays, or the feast in June.
- How do I get to St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade?
- At Kochchikade near the port in northern Colombo.