Between temples and mosques, St Lucia's Cathedral in Colombo

As explained in our must-see articles on the Red Mosque and the Gangaramaya Temple, the people of Sri Lanka are multi-religious. The 4 main religions are

Buddhism, the majority in the country

Around 70% of Sri Lankans are Buddhists. It is the country's majority religion.

Hinduism, a widespread religion in India

13% of the population is Hindu.

Islam, a small part of the population

10% of Sri Lankans are Muslims.

Christianity, a minority

7% are Christians. This is one of the country's religious minorities.

In the city of Colombo, the various places of worship are located in the same neighbourhood, and the faithful live together respectfully. Like the Buddhists and Muslims, Sri Lanka's Christian community needed a place to pray to God in the capital.

Thus, St Lucia's Cathedral was built.

The various colonial occupations of Sri Lanka brought with them Christianity. Although a small church already existed on the site of the current cathedral, the faithful demanded a larger church in which to gather.

So, during the Dutch occupation of Sri Lanka in the early 1800s, the Christian community built a new cathedral on Kotahena Hill in Colombo. The church became a refuge during the tumultuous arrival of the British on the island. Over the years, St Lucia's Cathedral became home to the island's growing and hierarchical Christian community.

Architecture

The cathedral is dedicated to the saint and martyr Saint Lucy. It is the largest cathedral in Sri Lanka, with a white façade featuring huge Roman-style columns. The interior is also decorated with huge statues of saints that form a main aisle leading to Christ and Saint Lucy.

On the main altar, Saint Lucy stands, her eyes in the palms of her hands. The sacred, religious atmosphere of the church is enhanced by the colours of the stained glass windows and the sunlight that streams through them several times a day.

🚌 How do I get there?

On foot

St Lucia's Cathedral is in the Kotahena district of Colombo 13. The walk from the centre of Colombo to the cathedral, via Pettah, is very pleasant and takes around 35 minutes from the station in the Fort district.

By bus

If you're looking to immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture, the bus is a good way to meet and chat with locals. From the Fort district station, you can catch a variety of buses that will take you to the cathedral in 25 minutes. The nearest stop is the Armour Street Junction Bus Stop, which you can find out about directly at the station or from your hotel or guesthouse.

By tuk-tuk or taxi

The tuk-tuk journey takes 15 minutes from the centre of Colombo. Use the Pickme and Uber apps on your phone or negotiate your journey directly with a driver on the street.

⌛ How long does it take to visit the cathedral?

1 to 2 hours is enough to visit St Lucia Cathedral.

⏰ When should I visit the cathedral?

The cathedral is open to the public from 5am to 8pm every day.

👉 Who is this activity for?

The whole family can have a great time visiting the church. Children can play outside while adults stay to admire the sculptures and paintings a little longer.

🍴 Where to eat?

Papa's Treat The restaurant welcomes you every day for delicious burgers, fried chicken, chips and much more. Papa Treat's also serves savoury and sweet crepes.

Address: 288 George R. De Silva Mawatha, Colombo 01300, Sri Lanka Times: 10am to 10pm, daily