San Thome Church

In the history of Christianity in India, San Thome Church is the most important building ever. The construction of the church began as a tomb for Saint Thomas. It has since grown and is now a Basilica, as the Pope said in 1956. The church is one of the best places to visit in Chennai.

San Thome Church is one of only three places in the world and has the tomb of one of Christ's first followers. One is Santa Maria del Rosario in Galicia, Spain, and St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is another one. Going to the St. Thomas Church in Mylapore is like going into a story from the past that happened a few hundred years ago. 

The holy person's body is buried under the tall white building of the Basilica Minor. This person was one of Christ's twelve apostles and came to India in 52 AD to spread the religion. It is a belief that he is the patron saint of Christianity in India. A lot of people in Kerala and Tamil Nadu changed their minds because of his wise words and teaching. He formed the community that now calls themselves Syrian Christians. 

In the church's museum, items related to the great saint and his story are on display so that tourists can learn about the church's glorious past.

Why is San Thome Church famous?

San Thome Church is a Roman Catholic minor church in Chennai. It is also famous as St. Thomas Cathedral church and the National Shrine of Saint Thomas. Portuguese explorers made it on top of the tomb of Saint Thomas in the 1600s. The British fixed it up in 1893 and turned it into a church with cathedral rank. The church is worth visiting during the Chennai tour package.

Architecture of San Thome Church

Tourists can see the typical neo-Gothic architecture in the San Thome Basilica, which has huge windows with tinted glass. The church's outside is a bright white color, and it towers over the grassy area around it with its sheer grandeur. 

Inside, the aisle goes up to the crucifixion of Jesus and a statue of Saint Thomas next to him. The pews are made of wood. A sparkling chandelier hangs over the chancel. It and other hanging lights light up the hall and altar as a whole.