San Thome Basilica

San Thome Basilica is a Roman Catholic (Latin Rite) minor basilica in Santhome, in the city of Chennai (Madras), India. It was built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers, over the tomb of St Thomas, an apostle of Jesus. In 1893, it was rebuilt as a church with the status of a cathedral by the British. The British version still stands today. It was designed in Neo-Gothic style, favoured by British architects in the late 19th century.

History

South Indian Christian tradition holds that St Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, arrived in Kerala from Judea in 52 A.D. and preached between 52 A.D. and 72 A.D., when he was martyred on St. Thomas Mount. San Thome Basilica is the principal church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore. In 1956, Pope Pius XII raised the church to the status of a Basilica Minor, and on February 11, 2006, it was declared a national shrine by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India. The San Thome Basilica is a pilgrimage centre for Christians in India.

The beautiful stained glass window at the basilica portrays the story of St Thomas and the central hall has 14 wooden plaques depicting scenes from the last days of Christ. In the cathedral is a 3ft. high statue of Virgin Mary which is believed to have been brought from Portugal in 1543.

The church also has an attached museum.

Getting There

The nearest airport to this attraction is Chennai International Airport (IATA: MAA, ICAO: VOMM), the primary airport serving the southern Indian metropolis of Chennai.

undo ...back