Sri Lanka is a blend of history, culture and natural beauty. With immense religious diversity in the country, one popular sightseeing spot that offers a glimpse into the country’s religious beliefs, historical significance, and architectural marvel is St. Mary’s Cathedral Batticaloa. The existence of this cathedral is way more than a site of spiritual practice. It is a landmark and cultural icon that stands tall with its striking blue exterior. It has witnessed centuries of devotion and serves as a vital centre for the Catholic community in the Eastern Province. As you explore Sri Lanka and the area around you, visiting St Mary’s Cathedral Batticaloa is one of those experiences that you can’t brush to the side.
Where Is St Mary’s Cathedral Batticaloa Located?
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St Mary’s Cathedral Batticaloa is situated in Puliyanthivu, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. To give you a more accurate representation of the church’s location, it is between Trincomalee and Batticaloa and is located on the main road, making it accessible to tourists. With its blue façade, there’s no way you’d miss out on witnessing this on the side of the road.
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Interesting Facts About St Mary’s Cathedral Batticaloa
Origin and construction: While the cathedral underwent restoration and renovations in 2004 to ensure its stability and refined appearance, the actual construction of St. Mary’s Cathedral dates back to 1808 by Paschal Mudaliyar, which makes it around 200 years old. Initially functioning under the Diocese of Trincomalee-Batticaloa, St. Mary’s became the sole cathedral of the newly formed Diocese of Batticaloa in 2012.
Location: PM6W+WCV, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Batticaloa timings: 06:00 AM to 06:30 AM; Mass timings vary.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Batticaloa entry fees: You can enter and explore the cathedral.
Things To Do At St Mary’s Cathedral Batticaloa
St. Mary’s Cathedral in Batticaloa offers a variety of activities that cater to different interests and provide a deeper connection to its spiritual, historical, and cultural significance.
1. Attend Mass
If you wish to experience the church’s true spiritual and religious significance, attend one of the regular mass sessions. The services are conducted in Tamil, English, and occasionally Sinhala, reflecting the congregation’s linguistic diversity. They usually occur once in the morning and once in the evening. Sunday masses are one of the most significant, so you can also consider visiting them.
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2. Explore Architecture
Like most churches in the area, St. Mary’s Cathedral Batticaloa features a blend of Gothic architecture with European influence in the style. As you enter the cathedral’s premises, take your time to explore the intricacies of the architecture, including the façade, bell tower, and stained glass windows.
3. Photography
There are no strict restrictions on photography inside the cathedral. However, use this leniency to your benefit. If you capture images inside the cathedral, avoid using flash because that might disturb other people in attendance. Also, avoid taking pictures if the cathedral is crowded since that could invade someone’s privacy.
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4. Meditation And Prayer
As tourists, you can take time to soak in the peace inside the cathedral. There are many quiet corners inside where you can relax and unwind. You can also pray and meditate. You can also participate in the prayer service or light a candle outside the cathedral at the designated spots to show your respect and offer your prayers. You can light a candle for personal intentions or remembrance of loved ones.
Places To Visit Near St Mary’s Cathedral Batticaloa
Beyond exploring St Mary’s Cathedral in Batticaloa, there’s much more to witness and explore. You must include these additional sightseeing spots since they “complement” your visit to the cathedral. Most tourist attractions are located nearby and can be explored on foot.
1. Batticaloa Lagoon
Image Credit: Anton Croos for wikimedia commons
Fairly close to the cathedral, the first spot to stop at is the Batticaloa Lagoon, a lagoon stretching across 56 km. It is one of the most striking natural elements of the place. You can interact with the locals and learn further about the place’s significance, history and the tale of singing fish. Before you get confused, the “singing fish” phenomenon is a tale about a native fish that mimics the noise of singing during the nighttime. It is a common occurrence between April and September.
Distance from St. Mary’s Cathedral: 2.2 Km
Timings: 24 Hours
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2. The Dutch Fort
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The Batticaloa Dutch Fort is another must-visit location nearby. Its construction dates back to 1628, when the Portuguese built and used it for their military. However, later in the 17th century, the Dutch captured the fort and governed their reign in Sri Lanka from there. The fort is within walking distance from the Batticaloa Lagoon, making the commute simple. While exploring the ruins of the fort, don’t miss out on intricately witnessing the old chapel and remnants of Dutch colonial structures.
Distance from St. Mary’s Cathedral: 2.2 Km
Timings: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
3. Kallady Bridge
Image Credit: AntanO for Wikimedia Commons
Another popular infrastructure in Batticaloa that dates back to the British colonial period in Sri Lanka is the Kallady Bridge. William Manning constructed it while he was the Governor of Ceylon. During that time, he named the bridge “Lady Manning Bridge,” after his wife. Back in its prime, the bridge would have 10,000 cars and vehicles using it to cross the lagoon. However, the narrow design of the bridge led to traffic and accidents, too. This was when the local government built another bridge parallel to the Kallady Bridge.
Distance from St. Mary’s Cathedral: 1.9 Km
Timings: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
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4. Batticaloa Lighthouse
Image Credit: AntanO for Wikimedia Commons
To glimpse Sri Lanka’s maritime history, visit the Batticaloa Lighthouse. It is close to both Kallady Bridge and Batticaloa Fort. While the lighthouse was initially manually run, technological advancements have transformed it into an automated procedure. While climbing to the top of the lighthouse is prohibited for safety purposes, the views of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding coastline of Sri Lanka are enough for you to consider visiting the place.
Distance from St. Mary’s Cathedral: 2.4 Km
Timings: 24 Hours
Best Time To Visit St. Mary’s Cathedral Batticaloa
St. Mary’s Cathedral in Batticaloa is accessible and open to tourists 365 days a day. You can visit it anytime you are in Sri Lanka and the area. If you wish to explore the cathedral and soak in peace, consider staying in the late afternoon or early morning. During this time, the rush is pretty less, so you can also sit on one of the benches and explore the cathedral’s interior. For a unique cultural experience, you can also consider visiting during Christmas. However, crowds are usually overwhelming during these months.
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How To Get To St Mary’s Cathedral Batticaloa?
Due to its accessible location in Batticaloa, visiting St. Mary’s Cathedral won’t be a pain. If you are travelling on a budget, you can take a public bus towards Puliyanthivu or Trincomalee and ask the driver to drop you off near St. Mary’s Cathedral.
If you are already in the city centre of Batticaloa, hire a tuk-tuk or an auto to take you to the cathedral. Many are available, and the fare is comparably affordable. Just confirm the fare with the drivers before you proceed with the ride.
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St. Mary’s Cathedral Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, is one of the country’s most significant tourist spots. It is steeped in a balance of religious and historical significance. As you plan a trip to Sri Lanka, specifically Batticaloa, visiting this cathedral and interacting with the locals and tourists is an experience that must be part of your travel itinerary.
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Cover Image Source:AntanO for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About St Mary’s Cathedral Batticaloa
What is the history behind St. Mary's Cathedral Batticaloa?
St. Mary's Cathedral was established in the early 19th century and has since undergone several renovations. It reflects the growth and resilience of the Catholic community in Batticaloa.
What is the cost of St. Mary's Cathedral Batticaloa tickets?
There is no need for St. Mary's Cathedral Batticaloa tickets since entry inside the cathedral is 100% free.
What is the best time to visit St. Mary's Cathedral?
The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon for a peaceful experience. Visiting during major festivals like Christmas or Easter can also be enriching.
What languages are services conducted in the cathedral?
Services at St. Mary's Cathedral are primarily conducted in Tamil and English. Occasionally, services may be held in Sinhala, depending on the congregation's needs.
What is the architectural style of St. Mary's Cathedral?
The cathedral features a blend of Gothic and colonial architectural styles, characterised by pointed arches, stained glass windows, and an imposing bell tower.
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