St Mary's Church, Negombo

Historical background

Negombo, known as 'Little Rome', is one of the oldest Catholic strongholds in Asia. St Mary's, built in the 1870s on the site of older Portuguese-era chapels, is the largest of the dozens of churches in the town.

Religious significance

A vivid example of Sri Lanka's Portuguese-Catholic heritage, with one of the most elaborately painted ceilings of any Sri Lankan church.

Architecture

Neo-classical basilica-plan church built between 1874 and 1922 with a Corinthian columned interior, one of the most elaborately painted ceilings in Sri Lanka, and a soaring central altar in Italian marble.

Historical timeline

1. 1874
   Construction begins on the site of an earlier Portuguese chapel.
2. 1922
   Church completed and consecrated.
3. 2019
   Community strengthened after supporting neighbouring parishes following the Easter attacks.

Cultural importance

Centre of Negombo's fishing-community devotion; the annual feast in September fills the surrounding streets with candlelit processions.

Visitor experience

Walk the canal-side fishing village in the early morning when the catamaran fleet returns; many of the families are Catholics descended from Portuguese-era converts.

Things to do

• ✦Admire the painted ceiling and altar
• ✦Walk the Negombo Dutch canal
• ✦Visit the fish market at dawn

Visitor information

Interesting facts

• ✦Construction began in 1874 and was completed in 1922 — nearly 50 years to complete.
• ✦One of the largest Catholic churches in Sri Lanka.
• ✦Negombo is often called "Little Rome" for its high concentration of Catholic churches.
• ✦The ceiling murals by N.S. Godamanne are among Sri Lanka's finest religious artworks.
• ✦Remains one of the busiest Catholic parishes in the country.
• ✦One of the most photographed churches in Sri Lanka.