Sri Lanka 7 - Colombo

 

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Sri Lanka 6 - Dutch reformed church - The Groote Kerk

 Galle , Sri Lanka

 

The church was built by the Dutch in 1755 and is one of the oldest Protestant churches still in use in the country

The present church was built on the highest point in the Galle fort, which stands more than 12 m (39 ft) above sea level. The foundations of the church were initially laid in 1682 but further work stagnated for a number of decades

The church was constructed in the Doric style of the period, in a similar manner to the Wolvendaal Church in Colombo, the church is also in the form of a cruciform, only the transepts are shorter. Two arches separate them from the nave. The church has no central tower inside to bear the weight of the roof and as a result is compensated by the addition of two large dutch gables to the north and to the south. 

It is also decorated with an unusual double scroll moulding, unique to this church. 

The church underwent various changes during the British Period. A stained glass window was built into the west façade of the church around 1830 and a communion rail was built in the south wing. 

Cambodia Siem Reap 1 - boat trip

 Taken about 2009.

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