St. Mary’s is Negombo’s best known church and is one of the biggest attractions on the island. It is about 140 years old and has got amazing religious depictions painted all across its ceiling.
Size-wise, it reminded us of the Cathedral in Kotahena. It looks pretty epic from outside, with gothic columns and clean cream walls.
Next to the church is a smaller building, which is actually quite nice, with lovely stained glass windows and a striking central depiction of Christ.
People go here even when the main church is closed in the afternoons. It’s a must-visit in the evenings just to see light falling through stained glass. Go downstairs from here to a quiet prayer space alongside striking gold and red statuettes of angels.
The main church itself is very grand. There are religious statuettes all across the upper walls outside the aisle, and the highlight of course are the ceiling paintings.
Some of the paintings on the ceilings depict Mother Mary while others like this one show God and angels.
This very detailed sculpture at the altar at the end of the aisle makes an incredibly distinctive sight. Mother Mary is being made Queen of the Heavens.
Conclusion
St. Mary’s Church is a beautiful place to visit if you’re in Negombo. The stained glass and the paintings spanning the church’s entire ceiling are awesome to witness, especially considering that the church goes back almost a century and a half.
