St. Lucia's Cathedral Kotahena

In the early 1760s, the church at Kotahena was four small cadjan huts. In 1782 large church of brick and mortar was built by the priest, Nicholas Rodriguez replacing the earlier one. In 1838 Vincent Rozairo Diaz became the first vicar of the church; the church was elevated to cathedral status, and the foundation stone for the new cathedral was laid in 1852. The architects who designed the cathedral were Bishop Hillarion Sillani and a priest, Stanislaus Tabarrani. It was constructed over a long period of time, from 1873 to1902.

It is a two-storey building; the main building, the single storey, has a high roof. The building itself is 50m in height. Inspired by Saint Peter's Cathedral, Rome, it has distinct characteristics of Gothic architecture. Unique architectural features are the decorative Corinthian columns and a large dome supported on four arches. The dome has been re-plastered recently.

The church is in a reasonably well-preserved state. Colourful stained glass depicting Jesus and the saints, a wooden altar and furniture, statues of saints and the holy family, altars made of white marble and Burma teak are some of the features in the church. There are four old bells in the bell tower.

Location: The Cathedral is located on St. Lucia's Street off Galpotta junction. Kotahena. Colombo 13.

Heritage Buildings of Sri Lanka by Nimal de Silva and D. P. Chandrasekara 2009 P128)

Unique Sri Lanka

St. Lucia's Cathedral

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