Religious sites in Colombo

Notable Religious Sites

Colombo’s religious landscape reflects its multicultural history through a blend of colonial and indigenous architecture. This collection includes the iconic red-and-white striped Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque, the historic 18th-century Dutch Wolvendaal Church, and the intricate Dravidian carvings of the Captain's Garden Hindu Temple. From the Gothic spires of All Saints' Church to the serene Buddhist viharas of Borella and Narahenpita, these sites offer a glimpse into the diverse spiritual traditions and architectural heritage that define the city.

Notable Religious Sites — Map

McKay Savage / CC BY 2.0

A

Red Mosque

Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque (Sinhala: කොලඹ කොටුව රතු පල්ලිය, romanized: Kolomba Kotuwa Rathu Palliya, Tamil: மஸ்ஜிதுல் ஜாமிஉல் அஃபார்

Sivakumar1248 / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Captain's Garden Hindu Temple

The oldest Hindu temple in Colombo, located in Captain's Gardens. It's dedicated to Shiva and Ganesh - Hindu deities.

உமாபதி / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

New Kathiresan Temple

This is a newly built Hindu temple, where various festivals are held every year. Statue of the deity is its important feature.

AntanO / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

St. Anthony Church

St. Anthony's Shrine is a Roman Catholic church in the Archdiocese of Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Bevan / Public domain

E

St. Lucia's Cathedral

St. Lucia's Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo in Sri Lanka.

F

St. Theresa's Catholic Church

Catholic church in Thimbirigasyaya known for its mid-20th-century architecture and community-focused mission.

G

All Saints' Church

Anglican church in Borella featuring Gothic Revival architecture and stained glass windows, consecrated in 1865.

H

Church of Holy Rosary

Roman Catholic church located in the Slave Island district.

I

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

Gothic-style Presbyterian church built in 1906, situated near Galle Face Green.

J

St.Mary's Church

Roman Catholic parish church located in the Grandpass neighborhood.

K

Christ Church of Galle

Historic Anglican church built in 1853, noted for its red-brick exterior and location near the coast.

L

Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour

The primary Anglican cathedral in Colombo, featuring a distinctive circular design and modern Sri Lankan religious art.

M

Buddhist Temple

Local Buddhist place of worship.

N

Sri Abhayaramaya

Historically significant Buddhist temple in Narahenpita, often serving as a center for social and political gatherings.

O

Sri Sambuddaloka Viharaya

Buddhist temple located on Lotus Road, known for its proximity to government landmarks and its white stupa.

P

Sri Lankarama Maha Viharaya

Buddhist temple and monastery located in the Borella district.

Q

Abesingharamaya

Buddhist temple situated in the Maradana area.

R

Wolvendaal Church

Dutch Reformed Church built in 1749, featuring Doric architecture and tombstones of Dutch governors.

S

Temple

Neighborhood Buddhist temple.

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