Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

Known for its striking red-and-white striped facade, this mosque in the Pettah bazaar district of Colombo is one of the city's most photographed buildings. Built in the early twentieth century, its exuberant design blends Indo-Saracenic and eclectic revival elements, with candy-striped brickwork, pomegranate-shaped domes and ornate detailing. Long a landmark for arriving sailors, it stands amid the crowded markets of Pettah, and its vivid exterior is a favourite subject in the old quarter.