San Thome Basilica Chennai - Historic Christian heritage

January

18.9 - 31.6 °C

February

19.8 - 33.5 °C

March

21.8 - 35.8 °C

April

24.1 - 37.7 °C

May

24.7 - 41.7 °C

June

23.9 - 40.3 °C

July

23.4 - 38.7 °C

August

23.1 - 37.6 °C

September

22.8 - 37.0 °C

October

22.6 - 35.9 °C

November

20.8 - 33.0 °C

December

19.6 - 31.2 °C

Major Airports :

Chennai International Airport (MAA), Chennai

Nearest Railway Station :

Chennai Central Railway Station (MAS)

A journey into history and faith

Welcome to San Thome Basilica, a splendid Roman Catholic cathedral which stands as a testament to St. Thomas, one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles. Dating back to the Portuguese roots of the 16th century, its Neo-Gothic reconstruction occurred later that same century in 1896 - becoming St Thomas' final resting place and holding immense historical value today.

At St Thomas Cemetery lies an underground tomb chapel worshipped by devout believers. It contains the Relic of St Thomas - believed by some to have miraculous healing properties. A beautiful stained-glass window depicting St Thomas at basilica shows his story while 14 wooden plaques featuring stations of the cross can be found throughout central hall and cathedral hall respectively. Both also house 3-foot high statues of Virgin Mary that may have come all the way from Portugal in 1543! Step into this sacred sanctuary and be prepared to enter an incredible realm filled with devotion, wonder and incredible stories spanning centuries!

A shrine of spiritual significance

San Thome Basilica stands as a beacon of spiritual significance to India, dedicated to St. Thomas, its Patron Saint. Notably, it is one of only three churches worldwide built over apostle tombs alongside Rome's St Peter's Basilica and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain. Additionally, beneath this majestic basilica lies St Thomas's remains which travelled here in 52 AD as part of his missionary efforts bringing Christianity. Today his legacy lives on in Kerala and Tamil Nadu through vibrant Syrian Christian communities.

Incredible tales from the past

St. Thomas, commonly referred to by his name Didymus, left an indelible mark on the landscape of Christianity in India when he visited Kerala and Tamil Nadu in 52 AD as an apostle who fearlessly converted and inspired locals- ultimately shaping Christianity's course across South Asia. A museum housed within San Thome Basilica proudly displays souvenirs belonging to this great saint so visitors can gain more insight into its glorious past.

Legend has it that St. Thomas took great pleasure in the Mylapore region of Tamil Nadu, seeking solitude at his beloved St. Thomas Mount cave atop a small hillock now bearing his name. A lance fatally struck his body here, making the site one of pilgrimage and reverence ever after.

The origins of the Basilica can be traced back to 1498 AD when Portuguese sailors discovered St. Thomas' tomb. Reconstruction began by the Britishers in 1893 and three years later in 1896, His Excellency Dom Henrique Jose Reed da Silva took upon himself the task of building a tomb dedicated to Saint Thomas which would then be consecrated by da Silva himself. Pope Pius XII had conferred its status of minor basilica in 1956. Pope John Paul II is the only pope to have visited the church in 1986.

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Timings

Opening time - 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM (Tuesdays & Thursdays)

10:30 PM - 12:30 PM & 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM (Saturdays)

Step into a world of faith and history

The sacred tomb of St. Thomas, marked with a second tower was added during church renovation between 1893-96. In addition, within this same church you'll discover his statue resting peacefully inside a glass case as an everlasting reminder of his profound influence.

San Thome Church hosts an impressive museum filled with breathtaking memorabilia and antique displays to commemorate St. Thomas' life and work, such as an impressive exhibit featuring his fingerprints - one of India's prized possessions!

San Thome Basilica will transport you back in time with its spirituality, devotion, and history all coming together in its halls. Soak in its serene beauty while experiencing Saint Thomas' final resting place. San Thome Basilica welcomes visitors on a journey of faith and discovery that will leave an indelible mark on both heart and soul.