Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)
ජාමි උල් අල්ෆාර් පල්ලිය
A red-and-white striped mosque completed in 1909, candy-like in form, and the most photogenic building in the Pettah market.
The Red Mosque stands on Second Cross Street in Pettah. Built in 1909 by the local Muslim community, its red-and-white brick stripes and onion domes blend Indo-Saracenic and Gothic Revival styles. In the early days, ships sailing into Colombo harbor from the sea could see it. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times, and admission is free. Long clothing and trousers are required. Women must cover their heads with a headscarf, which the mosque can lend. Shoes must be removed before entering. The mosque is closed to visitors during Friday midday prayers.
Opening hours
Open outside service times
Nearby sights
- Dutch Period Museum
- Pettah Market
- Wolvendaal Church
- Colombo Fort
- Old Dutch Hospital Precinct
- St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade
- Old Colombo Lighthouse (Clock Tower)
- Sri Ponnambalavaneswaram Kovil