Ste Anne d’Auray is a major site of pilgrimage in Brittany. Yves Nikolazic, a local farmer, discovered in 1625 a statue of Saint Anne and had visions in which she asked him to build a church in her honour. He did so and the church quickly became a major site of pilgrimage which necessitated the building of a bigger complex. Today’s church dates from 1872.
In the grounds surrounding the main Church are an oratory, statues, an the Staircase below, the Scala Sancta, built in 1662, and which the faithful ascended on their knees.
Behind the Church is a beautiful cloister.
The interior of the Church is very beautiful, and peaceful.
In the grounds is a striking memorial to the Bretons killed in WWI, with names inscribed on the encircling walls. And down the road are French and Belgian WWI cemeteries to those who died in Breton hospitals. It seems an appropriate resting place for these memorials.
