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.
