Santhome Cathedral Basilica is a Roman Catholic church in Mylapore, Chennai, built over the traditional tomb of St Thomas the Apostle. Its white neo-Gothic building has tall spires, stained-glass windows and a teak ceiling. The main draw is the underground tomb chapel, where the saint's tomb sits in a glass case and is decorated with flowers and candles each day. A museum on the grounds holds relics linked to the saint, including a small hand bone and the head of the lance believed to have killed him. The church stays quiet even with the street busy outside, so it suits a slow stop between sights in the city.
From the first church to the neo-Gothic basilica
Tradition holds that St Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, came to India in the 1st century and was killed in Chennai, where he was buried. The site was reportedly rediscovered by Portuguese explorers around 1523, and they built the first church over the tomb.
The British rebuilt the church in the late 19th century in the neo-Gothic style, which British architects favoured at the time. In 1956, Pope Pius XII raised the church to minor basilica status. Pope John Paul II visited in 1986.
Inside the church
The nave has a rib-vaulted ceiling made of teak. Its 34 stained-glass panels show St Thomas and scenes from the Bible, and the windows let in natural light. Chandeliers hang over the nave, and rows of wooden benches face the altar.
Near the altar stands the Mylai Matha statue, which was brought from Portugal. The two spires are the first thing visible from the street, and one of them serves as the bell tower.
The tomb chapel and the museum
The underground chapel sits below the church. The saint's tomb is kept in a glass case there, and it is decorated every day with flowers and candles. Visitors can go down and pray at the tomb, and pilgrims come from many countries to do so.
A museum on the grounds displays relics linked to St Thomas, including a small hand bone and the head of the lance believed to have killed him. A 16th-century map of South Asia is among its main attractions.
Around the basilica
Candles are sold outside for prayer or as an offering, and holy water is available for visitors. The grounds are kept clean and well maintained.
The church is near the southern end of Marina Beach. A stroll along the boulevard of the Theosophical Society leads toward the basilica, so the two sights are easy to combine in one walk.
Services and courtesy
Masses are held in English and Tamil. On Good Friday, adoration is held in batches, first in Tamil and then in English.
Dress modestly and keep your voice low inside. The source material does not set out photography rules for the church, so ask staff before taking photos inside, and avoid photographing people at prayer.
FAQ
Is parking available at Santhome Basilica?
Yes. The grounds have a free parking lot inside, and a wheelchair accessible parking lot is also listed.
Can visitors go to St Thomas's tomb?
Yes. The tomb is in an underground chapel, kept in a glass case and decorated daily with flowers and candles.
Is the basilica wheelchair accessible?
The entrance and the restroom are listed as wheelchair accessible.
Are services held in English?
Yes. Services are held in English and Tamil, and on Good Friday adoration is held in batches, first in Tamil and then in English.
