Christian Reformed Church of Sri Lanka image

Christian Reformed Church of Sri Lanka

Tourist attraction Church Place of worship Christian church Reformed church

Established by the Dutch in 1692, this Protestant church is the oldest in Sri Lanka. People often mention church, Dutch, Church, Colombo, Lanka, Sunday, beautiful, Reformed, oldest, history,


Address

WVR5+RJP, Wolfendhal Ln, Colombo 01300, Sri Lanka

Website

www.crcsl.org

Contact

+94 112 384 095

Rating on Google Maps

4.00 (68 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 8:30 AM to 4 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday: 8:30 AM to 4 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM
  • Saturday: 8:30 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 8:30 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (50) Dutch (21) Church (17) Colombo (12) Lanka (9) Sunday (9) beautiful (8) Reformed (8) oldest (7) history (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 André O. 5 years ago on Google • 125 reviews
    Can be great interest point with better maintenance. Entrance is complicated to find (main gate closed, need to enter from the side door, through a strange way around the back. Nevertheless is a beautiful church. Rarely have I seen a church with such a big wooden roof with loads of space. The altar is also very atypical, without all the decorations usually present on churches
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Prashanth K. 4 years ago on Google
    Wolvendaal Church is the oldest Dutch church in Sri Lanka. This 1757 church is named as “A den of wolves”- what the Dutch called street jackals.The architecture of the Wolvendaal Church is in the form or a Greek cross and the walls of the church are at an intense thickness of 1.5 m. The real treasure of the church, however, is the beautiful Dutch furniture within. The high vaulted ceiling, solid walls and impressive furniture exudes an air of unforgotten history. The Dutch governors had a special pew designed out of carved ebony and the intricate workmanship of the wooden pulpit, lectern and baptismal front cannot go unnoticed as well. The stone flooring speaks a tale of its own; the tiles were made out of tombstones brought from the Dutch Church in the Fort back in 1817. So those history enthusiasts will have much to explore within the fortress-like walls of the Wolvendaal Church. The solid architecture of the church, built centuries ago was designed to last and the church itself is well worth a visit. It remains, up to date, as the most significant Dutch building in all of Sri Lanka.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wayne B. 7 years ago on Google • 230 reviews
    Tucked away in the old city part of Colombo this Dutch Reformed Church was built in 1749 by the Dutch East India Company. It has weathered life in Colombo for all of these years and there are interesting points to see both inside and outside the church building. Of particular note are the gravestones of the Dutch settlers and colonists who died in this country and were buried on site. Remnants of the British period of occupation can also be seen in and around the church, and these stand in stark contrast to those of the Dutch period. The caretaker on site can provide a very interesting and detailed account of the history of the church and the city, and I encourage you to listen to his narration. Donations towards the upkeep of the church are requested but not demanded. 100 LKR is a good starting point but we thought 500 was more appropriate. Well worth a visit. Highly recommended.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Anton 2 years ago on Google • 644 reviews
    Christian Reformed International Church is one of the oldest protestant churches in Colombo. It was built by the Dutch during their rule in the island. The church is an iconic structure that gives beautiful view. Red and white with blue sky is really nice to photography.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thushara L. 5 years ago on Google • 43 reviews
    Wulfundaal Church is historical place and one of oldest church in sri lanka. According to historical records its was built after demolition of portuguese church which was excited there already. Construction for this church commenced in 1749 and it took eight years to complete. All the expenses for this church was borne by VOC (United dutch east india company)after completing the construction it was dutch official church in colombo during dutch period. Ground layer of the church were laid according to the shape of holy cross. And wall thickness is about five feet. Wulfundaal means 'woulf valley' before dutch construct this it was marshy land and plenty of jackals roming around so dutch people sometimes misundestand them as woulfs so given name of wulfundaal. There are lot of grave stones laid in the church permises among of them there are five tombstone belong to five dutch governors.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michiel B. 3 months ago on Google • 910 reviews New
    Interesting. For a few. Nice to see the traces of my predecessors.

  • 4/5 Naser S. 1 month ago on Google • 79 reviews New
    The Christian Reformed Church of Sri Lanka is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is a large, historic church that was built in the 18th century. The church is located in the heart of the city, and it is a popular tourist destination. History: The church was built by the Dutch in 1749. It was originally used as a military church, but it was later converted into a school. The church is now used for both religious and educational purposes. Architecture: The church is a beautiful example of Dutch colonial architecture. It has a red brick exterior and a white interior. The church has a high ceiling and a large number of windows. Features: The church has a number of interesting features, including a large pipe organ, a stained glass window, and a pulpit. The church also has a number of historical artifacts, including a Bible that was printed in the 17th century. Overall: The Christian Reformed Church of Sri Lanka is a beautiful and historic church that is worth visiting. The church is a great place to learn about the history of Colombo and to see some beautiful architecture. Additional notes: The church is open to the public from 9:00am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. There is no admission fee to enter the church. The church is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded at times. The church is located in a busy area of Colombo, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings. Recommendations: The church could offer more guided tours, especially for visitors who are not familiar with the history of the church. The church could improve the signage, as it can be difficult to find your way around the church. The church could open a cafe or restaurant, as there are no food or drink options available within the church. Overall: The Christian Reformed Church of Sri Lanka is a beautiful and historic church that is worth visiting. The church is a great place to learn about the history of Colombo and to see some beautiful architecture.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 kamal h. 5 years ago on Google
    The history of the Christian Reformed Church (formerly Dutch Reformed Church) spans 360 of the 400 years of Dutch-Sri Lankan relations. It was in Galle on the 6th of October 1642 that the first Protestant ministrations began after Willem Jacobsz Coster had captured the fort in 1640. Organised Protestantism may be said to have been introduced in 1658 after the Dutch land and sea forces had defeated the main stronghold of the Portuguese on the island, the fort of Colombo, and became the sole masters of the Maritime Provinces of Ceylon. The church have following services English Pastor: A/P Ananda Jayawardene : (+94) 11 205 8328 Worship Service: Sunday at 09:30 am Sunday School: Sunday at 11:00 am Sinhala Pastor: Ev. Amal Elpitiya : (+94) 11 238 4095 Worship Service: Sunday at 06:45 am Sunday School: Sunday at 08:00 am Tamil Pastor: A/P Sureshkumar Karmeham : (+94) 11 238 4096 Worship Service: Sunday at 08:00 am Sunday School: Sunday at 09:30 am
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Dhananjaya R. 5 years ago on Google • 279 reviews
    The Wolfendhal Church is the oldest Protestant Church in use in Sri Lanka. It celebrates its 253rd anniversary this year. The name of the church derived from the place name Wolfendhal. Christianity was introduced into The Netherlands between 700 and 750 AD. Later at the time of the renaissance in Europe, the teachings of the French theologian, Jean Calvin (1509-1564) greatly influenced Christianity in The Netherlands. The Dutch as a dynamic nation preferred the freedom and realistic outlook of Calvinism that orthodox Christianity. The teachings of Calvin influenced the Dutch as a trading nation with ‘love of gain’. Prof. C.R. Boxer asserts that the Calvinism was the main driving force in the Dutch commercial expansion and cultural flowering which were marked features of the 17th century scene.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rivin P. 11 months ago on Google • 354 reviews
    Amazing ✨✨ It's under construction currently but mass is still held weekly (Sundays)

  • 4/5 Sanudi D. 3 years ago on Google • 7 reviews
    Wolvendaal Church is located in Pettah, a neighbourhood of Colombo. It is one of the most important Dutch Colonial era buildings in Sri Lanka, and is one of the oldest Protestant churches still in use in the country.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 N F. 10 years ago on Google
    Christian worship place. (Christian Reformed Church) Built in 1949. It is one of the oldest Protestant churches still in use on the island.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 suneth d. 8 months ago on Google • 207 reviews
    An Important, historical landmark in Colombo. its a rare remnant of Dutch era. If you are interested about historical European architecture, then this is one of the most rare places to visit. The services are still held here weekly. The reformed church is a must to see place.

  • 5/5 mohamed f. 1 month ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    One of the Oldest Church in Sri Lanka

  • 1/5 Prabudda S. 2 years ago on Google
    Good

  • 5/5 Mohamed F. 3 years ago on Google
    Landmark of colombo 13 One of the oldest church

  • 3/5 Madhawa P. 2 years ago on Google
    Very old place probably built in 17th century

  • 4/5 Vladimir B. 3 years ago on Google
    One of few historical buildings in Colombo. The church is need in repair, but it is interesting anyway. You can see crowds of local people. They seemingly enjoy the church services.

  • 4/5 Sandun U. 1 year ago on Google
    An old Dutch church in Colombo, located near the junction of watch tower in Barber Street/Maha Vidyalaya Mawatha. The entrance is bit hard to find and the sunlight is very harsh in the day time. But inside there are many historically valuable items and places.


Call +94 112 384 095 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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