The coastal city of Negombo is the closest tourist destination to the Bandaranayeke International Airport. Nestling a myriad of attractions of varying nature within its boundaries, Negombo is the best of Sri Lanka neatly tucked in a nut shell. The cities popularity among tourists makes it a perfect place to look for a hotel in Negombo. If you are scouting for a beach hotel Negombo has several worthwhile options such as Club Hotel Dolphin. The coastline is the most popular choice for many but hotels inland are also available for those who prefer being closer to Negombo’s rich history.
Negombos tales go back to a time as old as the 7th century BC. The first settlers on this city were the Arab Moors who traded the finest wild grown cinnamon found all over the city, right across the Indian Ocean. For centuries the moors dominated the area and their descendants can be seen even today. It was in the 15th century when all this changed. The Portuguese took over Negombo, settled in the city and constructed a number of well architected structures that ornaments this city to date. It is these structures that have given Negombo the name ‘Little Rome.’
The St. Sebastian’s Church located at the Sea Street in Negombo is one of the masterpieces from the colonial era. This Gothic styled church was designed by Fr. G. Gannon according to the Reims Cathedral in France. Although the foundation stone was laid in the year 1936, construction was not completed until several years later. Today the structure stands tall as one of the most beautiful churches in the country. Services are still conducted here and the devotion to St Sebastian; the Patron Saint of the sick has markedly grown since the construction of the church. Exploring the St Sebastian church is one of the many activities one must not miss while visiting Negombo.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.