The Dutch Reformed Church in Sri Lanka is an architectural gem that showcases the country's colonial past. This historic church, with its distinctive Dutch design, stands as a testament to the enduring influence of the Dutch colonial era. The intricate details, elegant interiors, and tranquil ambiance make it a captivating place to visit. Stepping inside, you can appreciate the craftsmanship and the sense of history that surrounds you. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking a moment of reflection, the Dutch Reformed Church offers a serene and culturally significant experience in Sri Lanka.

Also called the ‘Groote Kerk’, the Dutch Reformed Church in the Galle Fort is one of the oldest Protestant churches in the island. The church, with its gables on the western and eastern walls, was completed in 1755 by the Dutch. It was built similar to the churches in Cochin and Negapatnam in India and has its floors paved from the ancient Dutch cemetery. The Dutch Reformed Church was built on a site that was previously a Portuguese convent and has a small graveyard in site as well. The most stunning feature of this church is that it has no pillars to support it; rather, the weight of the roof is held in place by its sturdy walls. The church also has a pipe organ and manual bellows within its premises. The garden of the Dutch Reformed Church is stunning in a rather haunting way. With its fresh grass, stone tablets and beautiful architecture, the church was built in the Doric style, somewhat similar to the Wolvendaal Church in Colombo.

This was one of my first stops at Galle Fort. It's an impressive structure with several stained glass windows. There was a small collection of parishioners outside when I visited, but I was free to walk through the church and grounds. For a quick visit, plan to spend 15 minutes, maybe an hour if you get really engaged.

We’re so glad that we met Mr Sudath, who is a church employee, and explained very well this church, its history, and almost all the church building items. I think the Galle Fort management should learn from this gentleman how to be a humble, knowledgeable guide for all the buildings in the fort complex. If you happen to visit this church, do make sure that you meet this gentleman and ask for a tour. It’s worth spending at least half an hour to listen to his explanations and to agree on each of the Dutch histories on the church items. Ask from the dog symbol on one of the floor grave plaques to the wedge shape steel plate in the roof structure. He explained all.

A must visited placed in Galle fort. An ancient church built by dutch. Many things to see n study inside the church. Their architechture, toomb stons and cravings, wooden items etc....The service level of the guide/care taker is also commendable. Highly recommended to visit but since this is still using as a church not a place to have fun or loitering...

My Google Review # 000099. Old church. Not well maintained. Historical value though. Located inside the Galle Fort premises. Its a very old church with a perfect antique constructed facade. Though not well maintained. There is a cemetery also, I presume, touching the church building. Not sure about this, see my snaps. There were some 2 basement cellars, which were closed/ barricaded. Nothing much to talk about.

Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.

Nice church which is still operational. There are wordings and pictures plastered across the floor and walls. Outside the church, there are various tombstones surrounding the perimeter.

One of the finest and most traditional Tourist attractions in Galle which is worth to visit and admire is the Galle Fort. The Dutch Reformed Church is the ancient building located in the premises of the fort. The building’s date goes back the 18th century during the Dutch period. A walk through the Fort ground along with the humble caretaker, immersing in his never-ending fancy stories will take you back to the era whence it was built. The Church is also known as Groot Kert. Location: Church Street, Galle fort Highlights: Many tombstones dating back to the 17th can be observed; this church also is a Cruciform with shorter transepts separated by two arches. The floor is marked with gravestones. The beautiful pulpit made from Malaysian wood, calamander is a beautiful sight and near to the pulpit is the memorial of De Ly Family. Timings: 9 am to 5 Pm Best Time to visit: The best month to visit this place in February

A must see place when in Galle Fort. The architecture, and interesting tombstones definitely worth a closer look. The caretakers of the church are somewhat cautious (specially about locals) may be for security reasons, and clearly no place for loitering. But once they know your intentions you are good to go.

A famous attraction dating back to the 18th century.

The Groote Kerk or Dutch Reformed Church is located within the Galle fort in Galle, Sri Lanka and is situated near the entrance to the fort. The church was built by the Dutch in 1755 and is one of the oldest Protestant churches still in use in the country.

Beautiful and old church. It’s very interesting for me to read details on the tomb stones about those who rent in here. Imaging those folks who lived here 100s of years ago. Amazing.

Located within Galle fort, Its one of the oldest protestant church. Liked the stained glass windows and beautiful carvings on stones inlaid in the floor.

Nice place to visit. Here you could take a rest from the wild Sri-Lanka and check out places with European accent.

This 1755 Church he is well preserved and worth a visit. The church seems to have been constructed from contributions of many people whose names are inscribed on the stones in the church.

Beautiful historic church in the heart of the UNESCO world heritage listed Galle Fort. If you are curious enough, enter the gates and wander through the grounds and the interiors of the church itself and see the fort’s long colorful history unfold right before your eyes.

its a really good historical place in sri lanka galle.

one of my fev place love it

An old memories of the dutch rulers are stay calm and quiet.

Here you can see a good example of Dutch building from the Dutch colonial period. Show repeat as it’s still a house of worship