Historical Origins and the Development of the Chapel
Situated within the bounds of the village of Kluknava, nestled in the picturesque nearby forests on the historical border between the Spiš and Šariš regions—on the so-called Kluknava Meadows—Countess Anna Csáky-Wesselényi had a chapel built in 1623 dedicated to Saint Anne. This original structure was later rebuilt and generously expanded by Count Imrich Csáky into a form that, thanks to its size and architecture, resembles a small church rather than a chapel. To this day, the interior houses precious paintings and a reliquary of Saint Anne, while the choir area is complemented by a small organ.
A Place of Unity and Spiritual Life
From its very beginnings, crowds of the faithful from surrounding towns and villages made pilgrimages to this chapel, regularly joined in their celebrations by the nobility and local gentry. A fascinating detail, and a beautiful reflection of the demographic composition of that time, is the fact that Holy Masses were celebrated here in three languages: Slovak, German, and Hungarian. The pilgrimage was not only a profoundly spiritual event but also an important social and cultural occasion in the life of the village. The Feast of Saint Anne was traditionally associated with a local fair. Around the Feast of Saint James, a cattle market was held, followed by a large general market on July 25 and 26.
The Present Day and the Enduring Devotion to Saint Anne
Today, the chapel is meticulously maintained, and its spiritual legacy lives on. Every year in July, around the Feast of Saint Anne, the faithful from surrounding towns and villages, as well as from more distant corners of Slovakia, tirelessly make their pilgrimage here. Near the chapel, there is also a popular spring of drinking water, where pilgrims can refresh themselves at any time.
