01/07/2026
Late this past summer, I was given rare, full access to Saint Anne’s Convent in Melbourne, Kentucky. The Diocese of Covington closed the retreat center just a few years ago, and the building has been largely untouched aside from routine maintenance. It isn’t truly abandoned, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to step inside and document such a beautiful Northern Kentucky landmark while the opportunity was there. I usually gravitate toward places with heavy decay—peeling paint, rust, mold, and all—but this was something special and well worth capturing.
Since taking these photos, I’ve been thinking about photographing as many Stations of the Cross as I can. I’ve grown to really appreciate how the same story is told through different materials, styles, and craftsmanship. Saint Anne’s once had three different sets of Stations. One set has since been moved to Saint Catherine of Siena in Fort Thomas, and I’m not sure whether the Stations in the main chapel remain there or have been relocated to another parish.
As for the future of Saint Anne’s, I’ve heard plenty of official and unofficial possibilities. I truly hope that whatever comes next honors both the architectural and spiritual importance of the property. I may return this spring to explore a bit more, but I’m grateful I had the chance to capture these images before time inevitably leaves its mark.
Side note to my fellow urban explorers: this place may be tempting, but please don’t try to access it. I had explicit permission, and there are alarms, cameras, and other security measures in place—things we usually try to avoid!
© 2026 | Chris Stegner | BluegrassPhotography.net
Late this past summer, I was given rare, full access to Saint Anne’s Convent in Melbourne, Kentucky. The Diocese of Covington closed the retreat center just a few years ago, and the building has been largely untouched aside from routine maintenance. It isn’t truly abandoned, but I couldn’t pas...
