St. Ann's Catholic Church

St. Ann's Catholic Church is a historic Roman Catholic church located in Yanam, an enclave of the Union Territory of Puducherry on the banks of the Godavari River in coastal Andhra Pradesh. Built during French colonial rule in 1846 and later renovated, it features European-style architecture with French influences. The church is a prominent landmark and active place of worship, known for its annual feast and heritage value in Yanam town.

Visitors can expect a well-maintained European-style church building with a simple facade, interior altar dedicated to St. Ann, stained glass, statues and prayer halls. The church is set in the quiet town centre of Yanam near the Godavari River, with a courtyard and surrounding streets. Visitors can attend daily mass, observe quiet prayer, view French colonial architectural elements, and explore the peaceful surroundings. Photography is generally permitted outside the main prayer hall.

St. Ann's Catholic Church was established in 1846 during French colonial administration of Yanam (Yanaon). Built by French missionaries to serve the Catholic community of the French enclave, it reflects the French colonial heritage of Yanam. The church has been renovated and maintained since and remains the principal Catholic church of the Yanam district.

The church is the main centre of Roman Catholic worship in Yanam and an important part of the town's French colonial cultural heritage. It hosts regular masses and the annual feast of St. Ann, which draws devotees locally. The building represents the enduring Christian community and Indo-French architectural tradition of the former French settlement.