"A lovely church that's sitting in Kandy near the Tooth relic temple. Peaceful and simple are my words to describe it. I asked for permission before clicking pictures here and the stained glass windows have my heart.

Lot of history to the church can be found on the walls inside the church. Overall a nice visit. They even have live performances on Saturdays with three prayer rounds with live choir.

One must visit this place that's very easy to reach to and as I mentioned it's near the Tooth relic temple, one can visit both on their tour to sri Lanka..Kandy.

There's a good coffee shop too nearby, rather opposite to the church where the cars are packed. It's the best way to spend a few hours praying to the deities and then having some coffee to unwind and head to the next stop."

Nyesha Sen

"Nestled in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka’s picturesque "Hill Capital," St. Paul’s Church stands as a testament to the island's rich colonial history and religious diversity. Sharing a boundary with the revered Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa), this historic church adds a unique dimension to the spiritual landscape of Kandy.

The inception of St. Paul’s Church dates back to 1825, sparked by the visit of the second Bishop of Calcutta, the Rt. Rev. Reginald Heber. This visionary visit set the stage for the church's construction, which began in 1843. The cornerstone was laid on the 16th of March, 1843, by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Spencer, the Bishop of Madras (now Chennai). Although still under construction, the church opened its doors for worship in 1846, providing a sanctuary for the local community and British regiments, notably the 15th and 37th Regiments.

The church was formally consecrated on St. Paul’s Day, 25th January, 1853, by the first Bishop of Colombo, the Rt. Rev. James Chapman, and was aptly named “St. Paul’s.” The building itself, constructed entirely of terracotta brick, exudes a timeless elegance that has endured for generations.

One of the most striking features of St. Paul’s Church is its magnificent stained glass window, a gift from the widow of Laurence St. George Carey, a tea planter on Le Vallon Estate, Pupuressa, in 1874. This exquisite window, depicting the Crucifixion, the Ascension, the Angel in the Tomb, and the Nativity, was erected above the High Altar, enhancing the church's beauty and spiritual ambiance.

Another notable aspect of St. Paul’s Church is its historic pipe organ, which significantly enriched the quality of worship for over 125 years. Despite experiencing frequent breakdowns and a period of silence, the lower keyboard was diligently restored, allowing the organ to play until it was ultimately replaced in 2009.

St. Paul’s Church is not just a place of worship but a living museum of history, art, and architecture. Its intricate stained glass windows, robust terracotta brick structure, and the resonant tones of its once-majestic pipe organ collectively tell the story of a bygone era. Visitors to Kandy will find that a visit to St. Paul’s Church offers a profound connection to Sri Lanka's colonial past and a deeper appreciation for its cultural heritage. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, St. Paul’s Church is a must-visit destination that promises to leave a lasting impression."

Mahesh Nanayakkara

"St. Paul's Church was built in 1853 during the British colonial era. It is an Anglican church belonging to the Church Of Ceylon, Diocese of Kurunagala.

Displaying Neo-gothic architectural features, this church adds a warm and peaceful ambience to the cityscape.

Located on the Deva Veediya adjacent to the Naatha Dewalaya premises of the Temple of the Tooth relic in the World Heritage city of Kandy in the Central province of Sri Lanka.

Must-visit."

sansa dias