Richmond Castle

About

Richmond Castle, constructed between 1900 and 1910, was once the opulent country seat of the renowned Mudaliyar Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena. Nestled atop a gentle hill just 2 kilometers from Kalutara town, this sprawling 42-acre estate has thrown open its doors to the curious traveler. Richmond Castle was meticulously crafted and reflects a seamless fusion of European and Southeast Asian architectural styles. As you explore the mansion, you'll be enthralled by the four distinct architectural influences that gracefully converge here. From the indigenous central courtyard tradition to the majestic Indian Royal architecture, the whispers of Roman-Dutch design due to the baron's Roman Catholic roots, and a subtle touch of Greek influence, this castle is a symphony of historical craftsmanship. Richmond Castle, now a living piece of history, reverberates with tales of grand weddings, opulent parties, and illustrious achievements, as well as echoes of the baron's close family and eminent associates, captured in century-old photographs. Photo by Meshaun de Silva, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons