Sri Lanka is a multi-religious country where you can find many ancient religious monuments including historical temples, churches, and mosques belonging to different ethnic communities. Although Sri Lankans originated as Buddhists, the colonial influence left some icons of the Christian faith that stand as the living establishments of their religious practices. Thus, Sri Lanka is home to a number of historical churches which has a long history that dates back to the colonial period.
These churches have unique designs influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture. The best places to see ancient churches are the colonial capitals, including Colombo, Galle, and Negombo. Particularly, Negombo has been influenced greatly by Christianity from the time it was occupied by the Portuguese. Therefore, it calls as “Little Rome” in view of the large number of churches in the city. These historical churches showcase amazing, intricate architectural values.
In this post, we will show you the most beautiful ancient churches in Sri Lanka. Visiting these historical churches is a completely worthwhile experience you can get in the country.
1. Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka
The Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka or Thewatta Church is a Roman Catholic Basilica in Ragama, just closer to the capital of Colombo. Most importantly, this church is the national basilica of Sri Lanka. Thus, it considers a sacred pilgrimage site for Sri Lankan Catholics as well as other religious communities. The church is home to the venerated statue of Our Lady of Lanka.
This church started in 1911 as a small chapel. It was built after the 2nd world War as a gratitude to Mother Mary for protecting Sri Lanka from the acts of war. The growing popularity of the chapel led it to expand into a large church in the 1930s.
The history of the current magnificent basilica is dating back to 1950. The cornerstone for the new basilica was laid in 1950 and it was completed in 1974. Gradually, the church premises were enlarged by acquiring the nearby rubber estate. Many shady trees in the church garden give a serene place for pilgrims to rest under.
Thousands of pilgrims visit this place annually as it is one of the most popular churches in Sri Lanka. It celebrates the feast on the 4th of February as same as the independents day of the country and attracts a huge crowd during this period.
2. St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade
St. Anthony’s Shrine is a Roman Catholic church located at Kochchikade, Colombo 13. The church is a designated national shrine and a minor basilica. The shrine’s rich history and religious importance make it a significant landmark for visitors. Indeed, this is a must-visit destination in Colombo for people who like to explore historical religious places.
The church’s origins relate to the early Dutch colonial period in 1806. In 1938, the church was improved and enlarged, with the addition of large wings on the side, and a mission house and meeting room behind the main altar. The enlarged church was consecrated in 1940.
Unfortunately, the church became a target of a suicide bomb attack on April 2019, Easter Sunday. Subsequently, it was repaired and reopened within 2 months of the attack, in June 2019. Renovated solely by the Sri Lanka Navy, this sacred historical church is currently showing its former glory.
3. Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu
The Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu is one of the most revered churches in Sri Lanka. This Roman Catholic Church is located in the Mannar district of Sri Lanka. With a history of more than 400 years, this church acts as a center of pilgrimage and worship for all Sri Lankans.
Both Tamil and Sinhalese communities consider this church as the holiest Catholic shrine on the island. It is a well-known place for unity among all the ethnic communities of Sri Lanka. Devotees belonging to different religions, including Buddhists, Hindus, and Catholics visit this church.
Although the Madhu church celebrates several festivals throughout the year, the Madhu Festival on the 15th of August is the most important and exceptional Catholic event. This festival draws a big crowd to the church. The small town of Madhu witnesses the arrival of thousands of Roman Catholics from all parts of Sri Lanka to celebrate this annual Feast.
4. Shrine of Our Lady of Matara
The Shrine of Our Lady of Matara is a Roman Catholic church located in Matara City. This church locates in beautiful surrounding, facing the Indian Ocean. The church houses a statue of the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus. Catholics believe there are miraculous powers in this church.
According to history, this statue is more than 400 years old. This famed statue is taken in procession in a beautifully illuminated motor Chariot along the streets of the town during the church feast days on the 9th and 10th of August each year.
In the early 1900s, the statue looked faded and worn due to exposure and the thousands of devotees touching it. In order to repair it, a skilled sculptor came from Belgium and renovated the statue to its former glory.
5. St. Lucia’s Cathedral in Colombo
St. Lucia’s Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located at Kotahena, in Colombo. This amazing church locates just closer to Colombo Fort Railway Station and is among the top places to visit in Colombo. Especially, this cathedral is one of the oldest and largest cathedrals in Sri Lanka.
It traces its origins to a small structure for worship built during the Dutch occupation. By 1820, the church became the principal Catholic Church of Colombo, in the newly unified British Ceylon. Construction of a new church started in 1872 and it took nearly 30 years to complete it.
It has a unique architecture where the facade rests on massive Ionic columns, adorned with seven statues. Silhouetted against the sky is the cross on the concrete lantern crowning the dome, the pinnacle of the cathedral.
The interior of the cathedral consists of a row of ornate, larger-than-life statues of saints along the side aisles installed in 1924. The stained-glass windows when lit by sunlight create a panorama of color further enhancing the serenity of the church.
6. Wolvendaal Church in Colombo
Wolvendaal Church or Christian Reformed Church is located in Pettah, a neighborhood of Colombo. It is one of the most important Dutch Colonial-era buildings in Sri Lanka. Originally built by Dutch and reformed by the British it is one of the oldest churches still in use in the country.
This is one of the most ancient churches in Sri Lanka dating back to 1749. It took eight years to complete and opened to public worship in 1757. In January 2005, the establishment of the Wolvendaal Foundation led to preserve the church’s architecture. Its ultimate aim is to further cordial relations between the various races and religions on the island.
This is a huge church, capable of seating 1,000 persons. This marvelous piece of colonial architecture houses interesting relics as a testament to its long history. One of the ancient artifacts in the church is the musical instrument calls as Pipe Organ. You can find a similar artifact in the Dutch Reformed Church building in Galle.
7. Dutch Reformed Church in Galle
The Dutch Reformed Church or Groote Kerk is located within the historical Galle Dutch Fort. The church has a long history dating back to the Dutch period in 1755 and is one of the oldest churches in the country. It has a similar design to the Wolvendaal Church in Colombo.
The church underwent various changes during the British Period. In 1830, a stained-glass window was built into the west façade of the church, and a communion rail was built in the south wing. One of the most amazing features of this church is the ancient Pipe Organ. It is said that this colorful Pipe Organ was installed here in 1760.
The two large timber doors and stained-glass windows provide light and ventilation. The high vaulted ceiling was originally painted blue and studded with golden stars. The main timber used for the roof was ironwood.
Especially, this church stands more than 12 m above sea level, at the highest point in the Galle Fort. Thus, the church did not suffer any damage from the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake due to its relative height and protection by the walls of the Galle Fort.
8. All Saints’ Church in Galle
All Saints’ Church is located on Church Road within the Galle Fort. The history of the church dates back to 1868. It was consecrated in 1871 and a large bell was placed in the centre dome in 1968.
This church shows a great architectural design, built on a basilican plan in a Victorian Gothic style, modified to suit the local climate. The plan of the Church is a cruciform firmly supported on stone columns and arches carved beautifully in timber. Masonry arches built in local kabuk and lime mortar. The carvings are all made from Burmese teak.
9. St. Mary’s Cathedral in Galle
The Cathedral of St. Mary is a Roman Catholic church and a landmark in the City of Galle. The cathedral was built by the Society of Jesus at the end of the 19th century. The Cathedral is an important landmark to the Catholics of southern Sri Lanka.
Located in Kaluwella, just beside the world heritage Galle Dutch Fort, this church is one of the most beautiful monuments in Galle. The church dedicates to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Above all, it considers as an iconic symbol of Galle owing to its remarkable architecture.
10. St. Mary’s Church in Negombo
St. Mary’s Church is one of the largest cathedrals in Sri Lanka located in the heart of Negombo. This historical church dates back to 1874 and the construction was completed in 1922. The art and architecture of this church demonstrate the cultural unification of European practice with Sri Lankan art.
The unique features of the church are large columns and plain walls. One of the eye-catching features of this church is its ceilings adorn with alabaster images of many saints. A number of sculptures of religious saints adorn the upper level of the wall.
Particularly. there are unique paintings of the life of Christ on the ceiling. These paintings were done by a local Buddhist painter and the beauty of the paintings is described as “thunderous” by visitors.
11. St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo
St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo is one of the most beautiful churches in Sri Lanka. This is a Roman Catholic church, architecturally based on the Reims Cathedral in France. It has a wonderful design built in the Gothic Revival style.
The history of the church dates back to 1936. It took ten years to complete its wonderful designs. It annually celebrates a festival on the 20th of January called the “Feast of St Sebastian”. On this occasion, a decorated flagstaff is affixed to the church premises. Processions and free food stalls are available on the church premises.
12. St. Mary’s Church in Trincomalee
St. Mary’s Church is a beautiful church in Trincomalee, the eastern capital of Sri Lanka. It has a beautiful design painted in white with blue margins that give it an ethereal taste. Built in 1852, St. Mary’s Cathedral is a unique place of worship in the coastal town of Trincomalee. Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities live peacefully in this town. Thus, this cathedral showcases the multiculturalism that thrives within the city of Trincomalee.
This church gives an eye-pleasing view as it is a complex pattern of white and pale blue. That is a hallmark of the diverse ethnic groups that dwell within its boundaries. Within the place of worship are some intriguing portraits of saints. If you plan a trip to the east coast, don’t forget to visit this historical church in Trincomalee.
13. Holy Cross Church in Kalutara
Holy Cross Church is an iconic landmark in the Kalutara area. The church is located on the Colombo – Galle main road, just 1 km away from the Kalutara Clock Tower. It stands on an elevated site and faces the azure-blue Indian Ocean. It is one of the most beautiful churches in Sri Lanka.
There is a long flight of stairs to enter the church. Then, there is an awe-inspiring grand façade, with two massive doors with design elements of a clock inserted in the centre. A statue of the Virgin Mary is located outside of the church, The interior of the church is spacious and airy with light filtering in through the beautiful stained glasses and towering arches.
14. Christ Church Warleigh in Dickoya
Christ Church Warleigh is an ancient church located in Dickoya, on Hatton-Norwood Road. This is one of the oldest churches in Sri Lanka dating back to 1878. Especially, it considers the most scenic church in the hill country. Bordered by the tea estates and the Castlereagh Reservoir, this church locates in a lovely environment.
It was built in typical old British church architecture and the walls of the church were made from granite stones. The church interior has stained glass windows depicting the paintings of Jesus Christ. These beautiful glasses are imported from England.
15. St. Anne’s Church in Thalawila
The St. Anne’s Church in Thalawila locates in beautiful surrounding overlooking the beach on the Kalpitiya peninsula. Positioned between the Indian Ocean and Puttalam Lake, it showcases the serenity of the area. It is one of the top historical churches located on the northwest coast. It is located just 16 km from Kalpitiya town.
Thalawila Church is an old-fashioned shrine that draws hundreds of tourists every year. St. Anne’s Church is easy to access with the roads in good condition and offering some stunning views of Talawila Beach. This ancient church is a wonderful place where you can feel the serenity of this holy church.
To sum up, these are the most amazing, historical churches in Sri Lanka. Now that you have a list of churches in Sri Lanka, make sure you add them to your itinerary to learn more about them while visiting Sri Lanka. These calm and serene churches come to life with celebration, lights, and many festivities during the festival seasons of Easter, Christmas, and the New Year feasts. Definitely, your visit to these churches will be an amazing experience filled with peace and tranquility.
Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Wikimedia Commons, Facebook, and Twitter. All the copyrights are reserved by the original authors.
