Churches in Colombo

Save upto 30%

by comparing quotes from 3 agents

View Tour Packages

Four centuries of colonial architecture, mostly free

Colombo's churches trace three colonial periods in turn, from the Dutch Wolvendaal in Pettah to the Anglican cathedrals of the British era. Nearly all are free.

Here is the list of 12 Churches in Colombo

1. St. Lucia's Cathedral, Colombo

St. Lucia's Cathedral, Colombo
4.7 /5

St. Lucia’s Cathedral is named after the saint martyr St. Lucia who is considered to be the protector of those with eye troubles in Colombo. The St. Lucia’s Cathedral church is the oldest Parish church in Sri Lanka and is considered to be the seat of the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo.

2. St. Anthony's Shrine Colombo, Colombo

St. Anthony's Shrine Colombo, Colombo
4.8 /5

St. Anthony's Shrine, built in 1828, is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua and is a modern Roman Catholic church in the Kochchikade, Kotahena of Colombo.The shrine has an impressive Renaissance architecture and is a place of miracles and faith for both Catholics and non-Catholics.

3. Wolvendaal Church

Wolvendaal Church

Located in the town of Pettah in Colombo, Wolvendaal Church is one of the more significant remnants of the Dutch Colonial era and is one of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka that is still in use. Constructed in 1757, according to Roman and Greek architectural influences, Wolvendaal is truly a sight to behold.

4. St. Luke’s Church

St. Luke’s Church

Sinhalese architecture has never been celebrated as much as within the design of St. Luke's Church in Borella of Colombo. The church which was consecrated in 1941, also plays an essential part in the history of the Church Missionary Society and is one of the most prominent churches in Sri Lanka among the Anglican Churches.

Colombo Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

5. All Saints' Church , Colombo

All Saints' Church , Colombo
4.7 /5

The All Saints’ Church located in Borella, Colombo dates back to 1884. Known for its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows, the church has a carillon of 25 bells specially bought in from West Germany, each bearing a saint’s name on it.

6. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Colombo

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Colombo

Built in the 19th century, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Colombo saw worship arise from 1842. The church has since then faced times of flourish as well as struggle. Today, with over a century’s history, the church continues to attract millions of visitors every year. The church is open to all.

7. Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour, Colombo

Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour, Colombo

Located on Cinnamon Gardens, Cathedral of Christ The Living Saviour is the primary Anglican cathedral affiliated to the Church of Ceylon. Established in 1973 upon the decision to replace the old cathedral in Mutwal, the construction was initiated by Bishop Harold de Soysa, the first Ceylonese Bishop of Colombo and designed by P.H.Wilson peiris.

8. St. Lawrence's Church, Colombo

St. Lawrence's Church, Colombo

Situated in Wellawatte, Colombo, The St. Lawrence Church is one of the oldest churches of Sri Lanka. Dedicated to St. Lawrence, the patron saint of Sri Lanka Colombo, it is also a worship place for Parish of Wellawatte.

9. St. Paul's Church, Milagiriya, Colombo

St. Paul's Church, Milagiriya, Colombo

St. paul's church is an Anglican church located in Milagiriya district of colombo. Considered to be one of the oldest churches in Sri Lanka which is now a part of the Anglican church of Ceylon, the church was first built by the Portungese as a Roman Catholic place of worship and was known as Nossa Senhora dos Milagres.

10. St. Peter's Church, Colombo

St. Peter's Church, Colombo

Situated in 26 church street, Colombo Fort St. Peter's church was constructed in 22 May 1821 Colombo Fort. It is considered as one of the oldest functioning churches in Sri Lanka.

11. St. Thomas' Church, Colombo

St. Thomas' Church, Colombo

Located in Kotahena (District 13), St Thomas’s Church is the oldest church in Sri Lanka. The Anglican styled chapel is a highlight with its white walls, polished wooden structures inside the church and simple ancient architecture. The church vicinity has a graveyard with Dutch tombstones engraved in gothic inscriptions.

12. St. Michael's Church, Colombo

St. Michael's Church, Colombo

Located in Kollupitiya, St Michael’s Church is an Anglican Church of the Diocese of Colombo. Built in mortar, wood and stone, the church is a historically significant century-old building. The prayer services are held in Sinhala, Tamil and English.

They sit among the temples and mosques of the same streets. Temples in Colombo covers the Buddhist and Hindu sites, and churches in Sri Lanka the wider island.

This post was published by Harshitha

Top Hotels In Colombo

FAQs on Churches in Colombo

Which church should I visit in Colombo?

Wolvendaal Church in Pettah, a Dutch Reformed building from 1749 with the original box pews and colonial tombstones set into the floor. It is one of the oldest Protestant churches in Asia still in use.

Is St Anthony's Shrine worth visiting?

Yes, and it draws people of all faiths, not only Catholics. It was one of the sites bombed in the 2019 Easter attacks and has since been restored. Visitors are welcome; dress modestly and be quiet.

Are the churches free?

Yes, all of them. Donations are welcome, and some of the older ones have a caretaker who will unlock a side chapel or point out the tombstones if you ask.

What should I wear?

Shoulders covered and modest dress. Shoes stay on, unlike at temples and mosques. During services visitors are welcome but should sit at the back rather than moving around.

When is the best time to visit?

Weekday mornings for quiet, or Christmas and Easter for the atmosphere. Sunday mornings are busy with services across all of them, which is worth seeing but not for sightseeing.

Comments on this post

Browse Package Collections

View Packages