
Shrine of St. Anthony
A serene Franciscan sanctuary with Tuscan-like rolling hills, offering daily Mass, peaceful trails, and a welcoming spiritual atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace

Shrine of St. Anthony
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Franciscan sanctuary with Tuscan-like rolling hills, offering daily Mass, peaceful trails, and a welcoming spiritual atmosphere.
"Beautiful and spiritual place with a warm community and stunning natural beauty."

📸 Perfect Photo Spots
The grounds offer stunning views, reminiscent of Tuscany. Don't miss the Saint Anthony and Donkey statue!
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Enjoy a peaceful hike on the wooded trails behind the church. Great for nature lovers and a good workout.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Daily Noon Mass
Chapel
Join the welcoming Franciscan community for a daily noon Mass, open to all denominations. A spiritual cornerstone of the shrine.

Peaceful Walking Trails
Shrine Grounds
Explore serene wooded walking trails offering a tranquil escape and beautiful natural scenery. Perfect for a reflective hike.

Saint Anthony and the Donkey Statue
Shrine Grounds
Admire the charming statue of Saint Anthony with his donkey, a beloved and picturesque feature of the shrine.

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
Shrine Grounds
Find a moment of quiet contemplation at the serene Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, a place of peace and devotion.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Shrine of St. Anthony
Best Times for Reflection and Photography
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
good places to take pictures?
📸 Perfect Photo Spots
The grounds offer stunning views, reminiscent of Tuscany. Don't miss the Saint Anthony and Donkey statue!
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Enjoy a peaceful hike on the wooded trails behind the church. Great for nature lovers and a good workout.
🙏 Spiritual Solace
Seek confession, adoration, or simply a quiet moment of peace. The Franciscan community is very welcoming.
🚗 Easy Access
The shrine is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available for visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spots
The grounds offer stunning views, reminiscent of Tuscany. Don't miss the Saint Anthony and Donkey statue!
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Enjoy a peaceful hike on the wooded trails behind the church. Great for nature lovers and a good workout.
🙏 Spiritual Solace
Seek confession, adoration, or simply a quiet moment of peace. The Franciscan community is very welcoming.
🚗 Easy Access
The shrine is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available for visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Shrine of St. Anthony for its serene beauty, often likened to Tuscany, and the warm, welcoming Franciscan community. Highlights include the daily noon Mass, peaceful walking trails, and devotional sites like the Saint Anthony and the Donkey statue. Some wish for more time to explore the extensive grounds and trails.
"Not only does its beauty remind you like you’re in Tuscany with the rolling hills and rustic setting, but the Franciscan community is warm and friendly. Best place for confession, adoration, peace, beauty and the mass."
Joe Lombardo
"This beautiful shrine of Saint Anthony is open daily for a noon Mass. Anyone is welcome regardless of your religion denomination. Also there's a great trial on the back of the church that can provide an excellent hike."
Marianne Dias
"Beautiful and spiritual place. Took my mom to the shrine and attended Mass when she was in town for a visit"
Craig Traverson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Shrine of St. Anthony is located in Howard County. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available for visitors. Many find it a peaceful drive through the rolling hills.
Yes, the Shrine of St. Anthony is located in Howard County, which is part of the greater Baltimore metropolitan area, making it a convenient destination for those in the city.
Information on public transportation options is limited, and most visitors arrive by car. It's recommended to check local transit schedules or consider ride-sharing services if you don't have a vehicle.
Specific driving directions can be found using GPS navigation. The shrine is known for its scenic location, often described as having Tuscan-like rolling hills.
The Shrine of St. Anthony is situated on beautiful grounds that include walking trails and other devotional sites, offering a comprehensive spiritual and natural experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no admission fee to visit the grounds or attend Mass at the Shrine of St. Anthony. Donations are always appreciated to support the Franciscan community and the upkeep of the shrine.
The shrine is generally open daily, with a noon Mass celebrated in the chapel. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds during daylight hours. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours.
Absolutely! The Shrine of St. Anthony welcomes everyone, regardless of religious denomination, to attend their daily noon Mass. It's a place of peace and spiritual reflection for all.
No, tickets are not typically required for the daily noon Mass. The shrine is open to all, and seating is usually available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The shrine hosts regular Masses and offers opportunities for confession and adoration. For specific event schedules, it's best to consult their bulletin or website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can attend daily noon Mass, explore peaceful wooded walking trails, visit devotional sites like the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and the Saint Anthony and the Donkey statue, and find opportunities for confession and adoration.
Yes, there are wonderful wooded walking trails on the grounds of the shrine, offering an excellent opportunity for a peaceful hike and to enjoy the natural beauty.
The shrine and its grounds are beautiful and offer many picturesque spots for photography, reminiscent of Tuscany. The Saint Anthony and the Donkey statue is a popular subject.
Absolutely. The serene atmosphere, rolling hills, and peaceful trails make it an ideal location for quiet reflection, prayer, and spiritual rejuvenation.
Key devotional sites include the Saint Anthony and the Donkey statue, the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, and the St. Maximilian Kolbe Shrine. There is also a relic to be seen.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Shrine of St. Anthony primarily focuses on spiritual and natural experiences. There are no on-site dining facilities, so it's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to dine in nearby Ellicott City.
Visitors are generally welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the grounds, especially if planning to spend an extended period exploring the trails. Please be mindful of keeping the area clean.
The shrine is located near Ellicott City, which offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants. Exploring Old Ellicott City can provide a great culinary experience after your visit.
No, there are no cafes or restaurants directly on the Shrine of St. Anthony grounds. The focus is on the spiritual and natural aspects of the location.
While not explicitly designated picnic areas, the grounds offer beautiful spots where visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the serene landscape.
📸 📸 Photography
The grounds offer stunning, Tuscan-like scenery. Popular photo spots include the Saint Anthony and the Donkey statue, the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, and the rolling hills. The wooded trails also provide beautiful natural backdrops.
Photography inside the chapel during Mass or services may be restricted out of respect. It's best to inquire with the staff or friars, or focus your photography on the exterior and grounds.
Early mornings or late afternoons, during the 'golden hour,' offer the most beautiful light for photography, enhancing the rustic charm and natural beauty of the shrine and its surroundings.
While generally encouraged, it's always respectful to be mindful of other visitors and any posted signage regarding photography, especially in devotional areas.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's advisable to contact the shrine administration directly to inquire about regulations regarding drone photography to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no specific playgrounds, the open grounds and scenic beauty offer plenty of space for families to relax and enjoy time together. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the rolling hills, making it a delightful day trip for all ages.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Retreat Seekers
Visitors can find solace in the serene atmosphere, engage in confession and adoration, or simply enjoy the beauty of the Tuscan-like landscape. It's a place to disconnect from the everyday hustle and reconnect with oneself and one's faith.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best shots, aim for the golden hour during early mornings or late afternoons to capture the soft, flattering light. The wooded trails also offer opportunities for nature photography. Remember to be respectful of worshippers and any posted guidelines regarding photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Franciscan Presence and Spirituality
This spiritual focus is reflected in the serene environment. The grounds are designed to foster contemplation, with quiet spaces and devotional sites. The presence of relics and the emphasis on sacraments like confession and adoration underscore the shrine's role as a place for spiritual renewal. Whether you are seeking a deeper connection with your faith or simply a moment of peace, the Franciscan friars and the shrine's atmosphere provide a supportive environment.
Exploring the Natural Beauty and Trails
These trails are not just for exercise; they are integral to the shrine's mission of providing a holistic experience that nourishes both the spirit and the body. The serene environment of the trails complements the contemplative atmosphere of the shrine itself. For photography enthusiasts, these natural settings, along with iconic features like the Saint Anthony and the Donkey statue, offer ample opportunities to capture memorable images.
Key Devotional Sites and Photo Opportunities
These sites, combined with the overall rustic and rolling landscape, make the shrine a popular spot for photographers. The Tuscan-like scenery provides a beautiful backdrop, and the various statues and grottoes offer distinct subjects. The early morning or late afternoon light, often referred to as the 'golden hour,' is particularly recommended for capturing the best light and atmosphere.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit