Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque image

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

Tourist attraction Mosque

Landmark mosque constructed in 1908, known for its distinctive red & white patterned facade. People often mention mosque, Colombo, visit, Mosque, busy, architecture, beautiful, city, building, located,


Address

228 2nd Cross Street, Colombo 01100, Sri Lanka

Contact

+94 112 451 975

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (3.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: (Eid al-Fitr), 10:30 AM to 12 PM, 1 to 3 PM, 4:15 to 6 PM, Hours might differ
  • Thursday: 10:30 AM to 12 PM, 1 to 3 PM, 4:15 to 6 PM
  • Friday: 10:30 AM to 12 PM, 1 to 3 PM, 4:15 to 6 PM
  • Saturday: 10:30 AM to 12 PM, 1 to 3 PM, 4:15 to 6 PM
  • Sunday: 10:30 AM to 12 PM, 1 to 3 PM, 4:15 to 6 PM
  • Monday: 10:30 AM to 12 PM, 1 to 3 PM, 4:15 to 6 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:30 AM to 12 PM, 1 to 3 PM, 4:15 to 6 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: mosque (41) Colombo (25) visit (20) Mosque (17) busy (15) architecture (14) beautiful (11) city (11) building (9) located (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Lina K. 2 years ago on Google
    Spiritual experience..clean calm and peace One of the oldest Islamic architecture art , it was a representing a small community of students class ,accommodation and school plus a prayer masjid..everyone should visit
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Yogesh J. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice monument with great architectural view. I loved the premises has a unique and beautiful red texture, couldn't review the building from inside but it was a jolly experience. The area is quite busy with small streets from main road near port leading up to the mosque. There is a paper and cigarette vendor stall nearby, the only spot with good diagonal view of the building.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ushan W. 1 year ago on Google
    This is So BEAUTIFUL. I saw this monument when I was doing shopping on Petttah market. Then I took some pictures of this mosque because its uniqueness 😍.. Its like a magical place located in a dark forest. I love this place and its design and color. Hope Buddhist can visit this place and Look around... 🙏😍
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ahmed m. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best architects in Sri Lanka. Welcome to everyone. If you going to see it try not to go on a Friday.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mazin A. 2 years ago on Google
    A uniquely beautiful century old Mosque in a busy shopping area. It is one of the primary attractions in Colombo, and to comprehend the Stunning architectural design and glory in detail done over 110 years it is just impressive. Best to visit in between prayers to avoid the crowd and remember to dress modestly. An absolute must do if in Colombo
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mohsin R. 5 years ago on Google
    Beautiful masjid it is. Located in a busy market this place felt amazing. Architecture is one of a kind I must say. Loved every bit of the experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ihsan O. 1 year ago on Google
    Colombo Red Mosque Colombo Red Mosque, also known as Jami- Ul-Alfar Masjid, is literally an architectural wonder for the world that would stun you with its unusual color patterns and unconventional yet amazing design. Located in Pettah district 2nd Cross Street, this oldest mosque towers over the buildings and streets in the neighborhood with its tall minarets and had been once a reliable landmark for the sailors coming towards Colombo port. Here both men and women are granted access, but you have to be clad in decent clothes and cover your head and respect the customs. The unconventional red tone has won the name,' red mosque', for this beauty Masha Allah . How To Reach Colombo Red Mosque. Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque is located in a busy town called Pettah which is less than 4 kilometers away from the heart of Colombo city. The mosque can be easily reached by both bus and Texi Car or Three Wheel. If you are taking the bus, you need to get off at Petta Central Bus Station and after getting down take an 800-meters walk down the 2nd Cross Street. If you are getting into a Texi Car or Three Wheel, they would directly drop you off in front of the mosque. Remember prayer times and Fridays can be too busy to visit. Thank for you 🤝 Mohamad Ihsan.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 PAUL XIAOPU W. 1 year ago on Google
    Gate No.3 is for visitors. They have the necessary cloth for you to put on. Beautiful architecture and the guide was great for giving an intro about the place. Must visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rashad A. 11 months ago on Google
    The well-known Red Masjid is situated in Pettah, Colombo which is the reflection of Islamic architecture and multiculturalism in Sri Lanka. Travel vloggers and content creators are highly enthusiastic about this mosque and we can see thousands of reviews on social media like Instagram and TikTok. The inner peace I feel inside this mosque is never been received in any other place in my opinion.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Rajeswaran S. 1 year ago on Google
    Tourists are allowed on or after 4.30 PM via gate 3. I was there at 3 PM. So I couldn't go I side. Foreign Tourists, both man and women are allowed inside the mosque. But make sure, you wear proper dress. It is very narrow street and crowded. So be careful about your personal belongs. Just In front of gate 2, there is a man selling nice drink. Sweet and salt. That was delicious 😋 😍. Try it if you don't mind about street food.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Prabu D. 6 months ago on Google
    Its magnificent. The architecture, the history and the hospitality of the Imam who gives the tour, all of it made it a very special evening. If you are a man and wearing shorts, they will give you also a long gown to wear, and the same for women. Its free to visit, but they take groups in batches. As its a place of worship, pleasebe respectful and honour the hospitality. All people are welcomed and I'm grateful for the experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rinas Z. 2 years ago on Google
    One most legendric place with highly anticipated artchitechture. A bright place in bright town. Must pay a visit if give a visti to colombo.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Dushyantha De F. 2 years ago on Google
    කොලඹ කොටුව රතු පල්ලිය, Rathu Palliya, Red Mosque is a historic mosque in Colombo. It is located on Second Cross Street in Pettah. The mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo and a popular tourist site in the city.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mohamed K. 2 years ago on Google
    Construction of the Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque commenced in 1908 and the building was completed in 1909.The mosque was commissioned by the local Indian Muslim community one of the biggest icon at pettah (colombo).any religious can visit in side with community permission.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mike A. 2 years ago on Google
    When I visited this mask I was not expecting it to be this beautiful live although the location and the street are not very nice because the buildings surrounding it are not very well-maintained still it’s architecture is amazing and I have never seen till now anything quite like it I was amazed by it but we were not allowed to enter because of Covid and there was a prayer on Friday but still it was a nice place to pass by and see and take some pictures of
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Villy V. 4 years ago on Google
    It's cute. But not much to do other than pics. People with not enough clothing will get stuff to wear so don't worry about dress code. People pray at 1-2 and 3-4 at least on a Sunday.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Divyath F. 5 months ago on Google
    The Red Mosque in Colombo, a city landmark constructed in 1908, stands as one of the best and oldest mosques. Recognized for its distinctive red and white patterned facade, this unique building with approximately 6 floors is always bustling during prayer times. A popular tourist site, it adds to the cultural richness of Colombo, though the streets can get crowded at times.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Momotaj J. 7 months ago on Google
    One of the best and oldest mosques in Colombo and a popular tourist site in the city. Landmark mosque constructed in 1908, known for It's distinctive red and white pattern facade. The mosque has about 6 floors.

  • 5/5 Ross D. 7 months ago on Google
    We were so disappointed to arrive and find it was closed inside for renovations. But I suppose that must happen. But from the outside it lives up to its reputation. It is said that the Red Mosque has been a landmark for sailors approaching the port of Colombo ever since it was built in 1908, Being situated in the bustling Pettah district, which is one of the oldest parts of the city of Colombo, it provides a great exploration point for the bustle of the busy neighborhood streets.

  • 4/5 Sudheera S. 6 months ago on Google
    A must visit historical landmark in Colombo. Very well maintained and visitors allowed free of charge. The Imam who is in charge of introducing the place wasn't available when we visited on a weekend. For the full experience, including the visit to rooftop, you need to visit when the Imam is present (said to be mostly on weekdays). The visitors are allowed only three times a day - 1100 hrs, 1300 hrs and 1600 hrs. All females and gents without attire covering the full body (e.g. shorts) are provided appropriate dresses at the entrance. The staff is friendly and helpful. You need to maintain silence not to disrupt the silent prayers of devotees within the masque premises. The main prayer hall is more than a decade old and nicely preserved. I presume on a normal day when the Imam is present the visitors will be lucky to get a full walkthrough of all the architectural, historical and religious importance of this wonderful creation. Looking forward to visit when the Imam is present inshallah!

  • 4/5 Muhammad I. 5 months ago on Google
    A beautiful sight to watch amidst the busy road of Pettah market. This red striped irregular shaped mosque has multiple entries but a dedicated one for the visitors. Regardless your beliefs and religions you can visit it but on certain hours. As a historic mosque or from an aesthetic angle it's definitely worth a visit. But if i have to analyze it critically then i would say that the 7 storied mosque is very chaotically organized on the inside. The courtyard or the other functions are placed in such a manner that it feels a bit congested, especially during the prayers its a lot crowded on the ground level.

  • 5/5 Tharik S. 1 year ago on Google
    Most beautiful mosque in srilanka ... Interior design is mind blowing.... This is located in colombo

  • 4/5 Jade D. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful, unique mosque with stunning architecture. It can be very challenging to get a clear picture of it because it is located in a very busy and crowded market, so there's a constant flow of people and traffic. Visitors can enter from Gate 3. Dress appropriately and avoid visiting during prayer times as it can be even more crowded than usual. Overall a visual treat to look at the intricate details, candy-stripe painted facade and gorgeous architecture. Follow @thatgoangirl on Instagram for more things to do in Sri Lanka

  • 5/5 Sajith U. 5 months ago on Google
    One of the landmark in Colombo City. Official name is Jamiul Alfar Jumma Mosque. People call it Sammankottu palli since it was started by Indian Traders. In English we say Red mosque ('Ratthu Palliye' in Sinhala). Its one of the cultural assets of Sri Lankan Muslims. One of the tourist attractive place in Sri Lanka because of its Architecture. Its Indo-Saracenic architecture building. (Some of the other example buildings for this type of architecture are 'Madras High Court' & Chatrabathi Sivaji Railway terminal') In the allocated time, Tourists can go inside and enjoy its l wonderful architecture free of charge.

  • 5/5 DR. A. M. FORID UDDIN A. 6 years ago on Google
    Excellent looking mosque at the busy town of Colombo. It has a distinct elegant red white outlook. Cool interior. Guide available to explain foreigners. If female wants to go inside, must have decent dress. Very good place to visit at Sri Lanka.

  • 5/5 Anshul K. 6 months ago on Google
    The Red Masjid in Colombo is a beautiful and vibrant place of worship. Its stunning red architecture and serene atmosphere make it a peaceful haven in the bustling city. Inside, the ambiance is tranquil, fostering a sense of calm and spirituality. The intricate details and design elements within the mosque are awe-inspiring, truly reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. The mosque's location adds to its allure, nestled within the heart of Colombo. A visit to the Red Masjid is a must for anyone seeking a moment of reflection and appreciation for architectural beauty. The Red Masjid in Colombo welcomes visitors until 5:30 pm daily, offering a serene and culturally enriching experience for those who visit before this time.

  • 3/5 Seher S. 1 year ago on Google
    The mosque is very beautiful, it's a peaceful place. The guy who is doing the guide asked for my number, which is not okay!

  • 4/5 Donni S. 11 months ago on Google
    The big mosque in Colombo city, we can call it by the name red mosque, the mosque will open when prayer time and always full, unique building, sometimes the street is crowded

  • 5/5 FARKHUN's L. 11 months ago on Google
    Known as the Red Mosque, its proper name is the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque. Enclosed by other buildings on its two sides, it soars upwards. Its red and white stripes catch your eye. Completed in 1909, its architecture is a true hodgepodge of Indo-Islamic, Indian, Gothic Revival and neoclassical themes. It is located on Second Cross Street in the famed Pettah district. It can be visited by tourists. One of Best mosque in Sri Lanka

  • 5/5 Abdhur R. 1 year ago on Google
    A wonderful place and a must visit place for everybody. Staffs are very helpful and explaining great about the heritage . A safe, clean and a nice mosque.

  • 4/5 Haneek A. 1 year ago on Google
    Jami-ul-alfar Mosque (Red Mosque). One of the most important of the most beautiful mosques is located in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. is Located in a very busy town called pettah.which is 4 kilometers away from the heart of colombo city.if you are taking the bus,you need to get off at pettah central bus station and after getting down take an 800 meters walk down the 2nd cross street. Five daily prayers are held daily. Fridays can be too busy to visit.✨🕌🙂

  • 5/5 Omar B. 2 years ago on Google
    The mosque I'd beautiful. Unique but small. It's closed for visitors due to corona . But if you are Muslim then you can go pray inside. Males only for now.

  • 5/5 Sandun R G. 1 year ago on Google
    It is located on Second Cross Street in Pettah. The mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo and a popular tourist site in the city. anyone can identify this buliding through all other bulidings from the unique colour code and design. It always stands out from all the other bulidings in this very busy pettah streets because of its distinct appearance of red and white squares. Other than mosque this place is very famous for wedding photographers and musical video productions. this also famous tourist destination in colombo city.

  • 5/5 Mahmoud N. 1 year ago on Google
    What surprising me to find a mosque in this area, l was looking for a restaurant but suddenly I myself in front of a small mosque with beautiful design.

  • 5/5 Peti P. 2 years ago on Google
    Built in the early 1900s, the magnificent mosque has been cleverly incorporated into the jungle of surrounding buildings. It is worth looking at from several sides, the entrance part is almost cut into the 2 buildings next to it, while the back part rests on several levels of the shops below.

  • 4/5 Chamalka N. 2 years ago on Google
    Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is in the center of the port area of old Columbo and it is a very unique building with an impressive architecture. It is located in the middle of a busy market area and it is not possible to do not admire this great building Pleasant but situated on a busy road surrounded by people and care. Only one point of the mosque is viewable from the road and standing still seems like you are getting in peoples way

  • 5/5 Joy B. 2 years ago on Google
    A beautiful mosque in the middle of busy pettah markets of colombo 11.

  • 5/5 Ahmad Akram Mohamed I. 5 years ago on Google
    Got to love the Moorish architecture of the mosque be mesmerized by the colour. Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque (known with various name Samman Kottu Palli, Rathu Palliya, Red Masjid or the Red Mosque). The mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo. What amazes me is that the designer of this mosque is an unqualified architect. There has been a new addition of building for expansion to the mosque, so please explore both part of the mosque.

  • 4/5 Horatiu P. 5 years ago on Google
    Beautiful mosque, however very limited access given to tourists. Very crowded place and especially neighborhood. No parking. It is a very nice place but unless you have other objectives in the area, not necessarily worth the trip as a non Muslim tourist.

  • 4/5 අමුතු �. 4 years ago on Google
    I visit there and had some photographs. Nice place to learn about muslim ethics andarchitechure


Call +94 112 451 975 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


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

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