St. Mary's Cathedral, Jaffna
யாழ்ப்பாணப் புனித மரியாள் பேராலயம்
The cathedral of the Catholic diocese of Jaffna, with a towering facade, and one of the largest Catholic churches on the peninsula.
The church is in the Kurunagar fishing district by the sea. Construction began in the Portuguese period, and after the 19th century it was rebuilt as the white cathedral seen today, with a spacious and bright interior. Jaffna has a high proportion of Catholics, and the surrounding area has several other churches, including St James' Church, offering a different side of the city from its Hindu temples. Entry is free. Keep quiet during Mass, and dress appropriately to enter.
Opening hours
About 06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Jaffna Public Library
- Jaffna Archaeological Museum
- Jaffna Fort
- Jaffna Market
- Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
- Mantri Manai & Yamuna Eri
- Kantarodai Stupas
- Charty Beach