Holy Trinity Church
A mid-19th-century Anglican church in Nuwara Eliya, showcasing colonial architecture, stained-glass art, and historical gravestones.
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Must-see attractions
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Peaceful atmosphere
Holy Trinity Church
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mid-19th-century Anglican church in Nuwara Eliya, showcasing colonial architecture, stained-glass art, and historical gravestones.
"A charming historical site offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere with stunning architecture."
Free Admission! :ticket:
No ticket is required to enter this historical Anglican church. Enjoy the serenity and history freely.
Chat with the Caretaker :man_detective:
Douglas, the caretaker, is a wealth of knowledge about the church's history and its famous visitors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Colonial Architecture
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Admire the British colonial influence in this cruciform building with a unique conical wooden roof.
Stained-Glass Masterpieces
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Be mesmerized by the artistic stained-glass windows, including those gifted by Queen Elizabeth II.
Restored Pipe Organ
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Experience the sound of history with the beautifully restored centenary pipe organ.
Colonial Era Cemetery
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Explore the churchyard, a resting place for planters and notable figures from Sri Lanka's colonial past.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! :ticket:
No ticket is required to enter this historical Anglican church. Enjoy the serenity and history freely.
Chat with the Caretaker :man_detective:
Douglas, the caretaker, is a wealth of knowledge about the church's history and its famous visitors.
Explore the Churchyard :evergreen_tree:
Don't miss the cemetery with its colonial-era graves, offering a glimpse into the past.
Photography Friendly :camera_with_flash:
Capture the stunning architecture and stained-glass windows, but be respectful of ongoing services.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! :ticket:
No ticket is required to enter this historical Anglican church. Enjoy the serenity and history freely.
Chat with the Caretaker :man_detective:
Douglas, the caretaker, is a wealth of knowledge about the church's history and its famous visitors.
Explore the Churchyard :evergreen_tree:
Don't miss the cemetery with its colonial-era graves, offering a glimpse into the past.
Photography Friendly :camera_with_flash:
Capture the stunning architecture and stained-glass windows, but be respectful of ongoing services.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Holy Trinity Church for its historical significance, stunning colonial architecture, and peaceful atmosphere. The well-preserved interior, including stained-glass windows and a restored pipe organ, is a major draw. The knowledgeable caretaker enhances the experience, making it a highly recommended stop for history enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility in Nuwara Eliya. +2
"Holy Trinity Church in Nuwara Eliya is a charming historical site, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The stunning architecture, with its British colonial influence, is complemented by well-maintained gardens. Visitors can admire the beautiful stained-glass windows and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and those seeking a quiet retreat in Nuwara Eliya."
Lifetrackerz
"Mid 19th century Anglican church surrounded by a cemetery containing colonial era graves. Friendly people working there. Allowed us to walk around and even go in. The interior is similar to other colonial era Anglican churches. Free entry, no ticket required."
Tariq Rahman
"Wonderful church with a significant historical value, connected to the colonial history of Ceylon and Nuwara Eliya, a place all tourists better not miss. Now (from Jan 2024) open for public throughout the day (earlier used to be open only from 1500 - 1800 hrs).
It's an Anglican church, considered to be the oldest in the city, consecrated in 1852. It's a cruciform church building (clearly visible in satellite view on Google maps) with a conical shaped wooden roof. The colorful stained glasses is a highlight of the building which are artistic masterpieces. The centenary old pipe organ had been restored and is being currently used. The benches and most of the furniture and fixtures are custom-made from imported wood. Most are preserved in it's original form. The Church is now declared (in 2007) as an archeological protected monument.
There are a number of memorial plaques on the walls as well as the churchyard. These include the plaques for several renowned British governors, bureaucrats, their families, friends and ex-servicemen who lost their lives during WW2. These include - Francis Henry Hamilton (the son of Gavin Hamilton, government agent for revenue & commerce, who built the Hamilton Canal), Lady Carolina Ridgeway (the wife of Sir Joseph West Ridgeway, who was instrumental in building the Lady Ridgeway Hospital in Colombo), family members of Samuel Baker.
Douglas, the caretaker, is very knowledgeable of the historical importance of the church and all it's content. You'll be amazed with all his explanations. The Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had visited the Church in 1954, and said to have gifted two main stained glass windows in remembrance of their visit (Douglas will show you).
Highly recommended for all visitors to Little England."
Sudheera Senaratne
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Holy Trinity Church is centrally located in Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England'. It's easily accessible by taxi or tuk-tuk from most hotels in the town. If you're driving, there's usually parking available nearby.
Yes, the church is a prominent landmark in Nuwara Eliya, situated near Trinity Circle. Its distinctive architecture makes it hard to miss.
If you are staying in the central part of Nuwara Eliya, walking to Holy Trinity Church is a pleasant option and allows you to enjoy the town's colonial charm.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Holy Trinity Church is free. You can explore the church and its grounds without purchasing a ticket.
As of January 2024, the church is open to the public throughout the day. Previously, it was only open from 3 PM to 6 PM.
The cemetery surrounding Holy Trinity Church is also free to access. It's an integral part of the historical site.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Holy Trinity Church is the oldest Anglican church in Nuwara Eliya, consecrated in 1852. It played a significant role in the colonial history of Ceylon and is an archeologically protected monument. +1
The church features British colonial architecture with a cruciform building and a distinctive conical wooden roof. It was designed by Captain Nelson.
Inside, you'll find beautiful stained-glass windows, many of which are artistic masterpieces. The custom-made furniture and fixtures from imported wood are also noteworthy, with much preserved in its original form.
Yes, the church boasts a centenary old pipe organ that was restored in 2001 and is still in use.
The churchyard contains numerous memorial plaques and tombstones for British governors, bureaucrats, their families, and ex-servicemen, offering a poignant look at colonial history.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Holy Trinity Church, especially for its architectural beauty and stained-glass windows. However, always be mindful and respectful if a service is in progress.
The exterior architecture, the stained-glass windows, and the serene churchyard with its tombstones offer excellent photo opportunities. The restored pipe organ is also a unique subject.
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Deep Dives
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A Glimpse into Colonial History
The church's significance is further highlighted by its role as a resting place for many prominent figures from the colonial period. The churchyard and interior walls are adorned with memorial plaques and tombstones dedicated to British governors, bureaucrats, their families, and even ex-servicemen who lost their lives during World War II. These inscriptions offer a tangible connection to the individuals who shaped the island's history, including figures like Lady Carolina Ridgeway and members of Sir Samuel Baker's family.
Furthermore, the church has hosted royal visitors, most notably Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1954. Their visit is commemorated by a blue carpet and a stained-glass window, adding another layer of historical prestige to the site. Declared an archeologically protected monument in 2007, Holy Trinity Church stands as a well-preserved testament to a bygone era, inviting visitors to reflect on the island's colonial past.
Architectural and Artistic Treasures
A major highlight of Holy Trinity Church is its collection of artistic stained-glass windows. These are described as artistic masterpieces, with some particularly notable windows gifted by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit in 1954. The vibrant colors and intricate designs of these windows create a captivating ambiance, especially when illuminated by natural light.
Another significant feature is the centenary old pipe organ, which had been out of order for over three decades before its restoration in 2001. The sound of this restored instrument adds a unique auditory dimension to the church's historical and artistic appeal.
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