Pope Francis elevated the church to the rank of Minor Basilica on September 5, 2019.
The original statue of St. Anne was brought to Bukit Mertajam from France by Father Maistre in the late 19th century.
The annual feast held at this location is considered one of the largest Catholic gatherings in Southeast Asia.
The 'Old Church' was constructed by early French missionaries serving the local farming and plantation communities.
The modern sanctuary features a unique, high-pitched roof design intended to facilitate natural ventilation in the tropical climate.
The Minor Basilica of St. Anne in Bukit Mertajam is one of only two minor basilicas in Malaysia, a status granted by the Vatican in 2019. The site comprises the historic 1888 original church, known as the Old Church, and a larger modern sanctuary completed in 2002 to accommodate growing pilgrimage numbers. It serves as the primary regional center for the annual St. Anne’s Novena and Feast, which draws hundreds of thousands of international devotees each July. The complex is situated at the base of Chuping Hill, surrounded by landscaped gardens and designated stations of the cross. The architectural transition from the colonial-era Gothic revival style of the old building to the expansive, open-air design of the modern sanctuary highlights the evolving history of Catholicism in the Penang region. The site functions as an active parish while maintaining status as a major pilgrimage destination.
The exterior courtyard area between the historic Old Church and the modern sanctuary provides a balanced view of both architectural styles.
Bring a portable fan and bottled water, as the open-air design of the main sanctuary can become very humid.
If visiting during the annual July feast period, expect extreme congestion and limited parking in the immediate vicinity.
Explore the winding paths behind the sanctuary leading to the Calvary hill and the older, quieter chapel areas.
Avoid visiting during the peak week of the St. Anne's Feast in late July if you are seeking a quiet, contemplative atmosphere, as the site becomes exceptionally crowded.
The site experiences massive crowds and specific liturgical schedules during the annual St. Anne’s Novena and Feast, typically held in late July each year.
Modest dress is required; shoulders and knees must be covered. Maintain silence within the chapel areas and remove footwear if entering specific prayer rooms.
