St. Peter's Church Fort

St. Peter’s Church, Fort – A Peaceful Colonial Gem ⛪ Visited this beautiful 200-year-old church during my walking educational trip around Colombo Fort. Hidden just behind the Grand Oriental Hotel, it’s one of the oldest churches in the city and still carries a deep sense of history. The old plaques and memorials tell many stories of travellers and church members from the colonial era, giving the place a truly atmospheric feel. It’s like stepping back into a quiet remnant of the British period, a lovely, peaceful stop and a real highlight when exploring Colombo Fort.

What a marvelous place which represents the glory of the colonial era! A must visit place! You can even witness the British flag which was trampled by Ven, Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thero back in 1815! It is said that this very place initially was the court house of the british, later it was converted as the church. An old school curtain fan also can be seen here and it's still functional! Church is located just behind the Grand Oriental Hotel. Any tourist visiting Sri Lanka must visit this ancient place! 😍😍

Hidden behind the Grand Oriental Hotel. This more than 200 years old church is atmospheric. The plaques commemorating members of the church, and travellers, that passed away tell many stories. This place feels like a lost remnant of the British empire. A highlight of any visit to Colombo.

St. Peter's Church (Sinhala:ශාන්ත පීතර දේවස්ථානය Santha Pithara Devasthanaya) is one of the oldest continuously functioning churches in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is located on Church Street in Colombo Fort, on the northern side of the Grand Oriental Hotel. During the Portuguese occupation of the country a Dominican monastery and a charity hall, the Chapel of Misericordia (House of Mercy) were constructed on the site (c.1627) where the church is now located. Nearby was an early Gothic church, St. Dominico, of which only an inscribed stone set over its arches remains. In approximately 1666, ten years after the capture of Colombo by the Dutch they converted the building into the official residence for the Governor, with an elegant two-storey facade facing the waterfront. The mansion had a flat roof, a large arched portico of cubicle form, and several large windows that let in light and air. The building was used for council meetings, and a reception/banquet hall, where ambassadors from the Kingdom of Kandy were entertained. The first chaplain was the Rev. James Cordiner, who arrived in Colombo in 1799 and left in 1804. He was succeeded by the Rev. Thomas James Twisleton followed by Rev. George Bisset, Ven. J. M. S. Glenie, and then Rev. Benjamin Bailey.The first Bishop of Colombo, Dr. James Chapman, was enthroned at St. Peter's on 7 November 1845.

One of the reviews should probably mention that this is a private area that tourists aren't usually allowed to enter. That said, the old "look confused and be polite" trick worked fine for me so don't let the fact you aren't allowed out you off!

On the outside St Peter’s doesn’t look much like a church at all. However, once you go inside, it cannot be mistaken for anything other than a historic several century-old church. The high roof, stained limestone walls, marble floors, arched glass windows, wooden pews blackened with age, wood and marble plaques on the walls in memory of some of the long gone members of the congregation, and the sense of peace and quiet; all lend to it’s beauty and charm. The shadowed spaces speak of deep history and whispered secrets. It’s said that the foundations of the place are the original structures from the Portuguese monastery.

First used for Divine service in the year 1804 and consecrated in the year 1921 and still going strong.The first Bishop of India, Srilanka, Pakistan who was designated the Metropolitan Bishop stationed at Calcutta. He left in the Lord on April 8th 1826 and there is a commemorative stone near altar. It is pleasure to attend service and songs in particular. Worth visiting.

This building was a part of Dutch Governor's residence complex during the Dutch colonial period. Originally during Portuguese rule, the site has been occupied by a monastery building. Since 1656 until the end of the VoC rule of Ceylon in 1796 the building complex was used as official residence of the Dutch Governor. By arrival of British it became Government House during the fisrt years under Governor North and fell into a state of disrepair. In 1804 it was altered and put into use as main garrison. It remained so until it was consecrated in 1821. During the repairs in 1832, classical masonry columns were added and substantial part of original residential building was demolished. It houses one of the few 'panka's (fans which were operated by manual labour) remaining in the island. It is one of the oldest buildings you would find in Colombo.