Wolvendaal Church 🇱🇰

Step into history at Wolvendaal Church (Wolvendaalse Kerk), located in Colombo's Pettah neighborhood. As one of Sri Lanka's most important Dutch colonial-era buildings and one of the oldest Protestant churches still in use in the country, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's rich heritage. Built between 1749 and 1757 on a hill that once overlooked the town and harbor, this Doric-style sanctuary features a Greek cross layout with thick clay ironstone walls.

Inside, you will discover historic wooden furnishings, including 17th- and 18th-century ebony and calamander church chairs, an ornate Dutch governor's State Pew, and a richly decorated pulpit. You can also admire Sri Lanka's oldest organ and a baptismal font dating back to 1667. Pay attention to your feet and the surrounding walls, where you will spot mural tablets and granite flagstone floors interspersed with engraved tombstones.

These markers record the names of notable Dutch, Burgher, Sinhalese, Tamil, and English historical figures, including five Dutch governors buried at the site. Now serving as the Christian Reformed Church of Sri Lanka, it stands as a remarkably preserved monument of history and faith.

What to see at Wolvendaal Church

• Doric architectural style built in a Greek cross layout with nearly 1.5-meter-thick walls
• Sri Lanka's oldest organ and an ornate baptismal font dating to 1667
• Solidly constructed State Pew, carved wood furnishings, and a high pulpit
• Granite flagstone floor and walls featuring historic gravestones and mural tablets

Visiting tips

Look down at the floor flagstones and around the walls to read centuries-old gravestones of former Dutch governors and prominent historical figures.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Sunday morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Wolvendaal Church is easy to reach on Colombo’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Lotus Tower and Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Colombo travel guide.