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Introduction
Nestled along the scenic Marina Beach in the southern part of Chennai, San Thome Basilica is one of India’s most revered and historically significant Christian landmarks. More than just an architectural marvel, the basilica is a living monument to the deep-rooted presence of Christianity in India—dating back almost two millennia. What sets this sacred edifice apart from countless other churches across the world is its extraordinary heritage: San Thome Basilica is built over the tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. It is one of only three churches in the world—alongside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and Santiago de Compostela in Spain—constructed over the final resting place of an apostle.
According to tradition and ecclesiastical history, St. Thomas arrived on the Malabar Coast of India in 52 AD, preaching the message of Christ and establishing Christian communities across the subcontinent. His missionary journey eventually brought him to the ancient city of Mylapore (now part of modern-day Chennai), where he is believed to have attained martyrdom in 72 AD. The spot where he was buried became a site of veneration for early Christians and later evolved into a place of global pilgrimage.
The original structure over the tomb was constructed by Portuguese missionaries in the early 16th century after they arrived in Mylapore in 1523. This modest church was later reconstructed by the British in neo-Gothic style in 1896, lending it its current majestic form. The white façade, towering spires, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of Christ are emblematic of Gothic Revival architecture. The spire of the church rises to a height of over 155 feet, making it one of the most striking landmarks in Chennai’s skyline.
Inside the basilica lies a crypt chapel directly above the tomb of Saint Thomas, where devotees can offer prayers in a serene, candle-lit setting. Adjacent to the church is the San Thome Museum, showcasing relics, historical artifacts, and documents related to the saint’s mission in India and the evolution of Christianity in the region.
Declared a Minor Basilica by the Vatican in 1956, San Thome continues to serve as the principal church of the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore and draws thousands of pilgrims, especially during the feast of Saint Thomas celebrated every year on July 3rd.
Beyond its religious significance, San Thome Basilica reflects Chennai’s pluralistic spirit, where cultures, faiths, and histories have coexisted for centuries. It is not just a place of worship, but also a spiritual and historical touchstone, connecting the ancient roots of Indian Christianity with the modern identity of the city.