The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, commonly known as the Red Mosque, stands not just as an architectural marvel but as a beacon of faith and artistry in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Erected in 1908, its red-and-white candy-cane façade is a confluence of Indo-Saracenic design, making it as much a visual treat as it is a spiritual haven. Nestled in the vibrant Pettah district, the mosque once whispered directions to sailors, its minarets serving as nautical signposts for ships entering Colombo Harbor. Today, it stands tall, intertwining history with spirituality, and beckoning both the devout and the curious to bask in its storied elegance.

It was closed for cleaning on Sunday, so I didn’t get a chance to go inside. Maybe I’ll do that later this week. Maybe not. We’ll see.