Background

Santhome Cathedral Basilica: A Testament to Faith and History

Explore the sacred Santhome Cathedral Basilica in Chennai, a historical and architectural marvel built upon the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle.

4.7

Built upon the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, Santhome Cathedral Basilica in Chennai stands as a beacon of faith and architectural grandeur. This neo-Gothic structure, dating back to 1896, is one of only three churches worldwide built over an Apostle's tomb, making it a significant pilgrimage site and a historical landmark.

A brief summary to Santhome Cathedral Basilica

  • Monday 6 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-9 pm
  • Friday 6 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the museum to view historical artifacts related to St. Thomas and the basilica's history.
  • Attend a mass service to experience the spiritual ambiance of the basilica.
  • Explore the underground tomb chapel to see the final resting place of St. Thomas.
  • Dress modestly when visiting the basilica as a sign of respect.
  • Check the timings for special events and festivals, especially the annual feast of St. Thomas.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Chennai Central Railway Station, take the Green Line metro towards St. Thomas Mount. Alight at LIC Metro Station. From there, you can take a bus (e.g., routes 12B, 45B) towards Santhome or hire an auto-rickshaw. Bus fare will be approximately ₹10-₹30 , and the auto-rickshaw fare will be around ₹50-₹150. Alternatively, several MTC buses connect various parts of Chennai to Santhome. Check local bus routes for the most convenient option. Bus fares typically range from ₹10 to ₹30.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Ola and Uber are readily available throughout Chennai. A taxi ride from Chennai International Airport to Santhome Cathedral Basilica will cost approximately ₹300-₹500. From Chennai Central Railway Station, a taxi ride will cost around ₹175-₹312 depending on the distance and traffic. Note: Fares may vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Mylapore area, Santhome Cathedral Basilica is easily accessible by foot. It is located at the end of Kutchery Road, on the southern end of Marina Beach. From Kapaleeshwarar Temple, it is approximately a 20-minute walk along Kutchery Road. Follow the road east towards the sea; the basilica will be visible from a distance.

Unlock the Best of Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Santhome Cathedral Basilica

The Santhome Cathedral Basilica, located in the Mylapore neighborhood of Chennai, is a profound testament to the enduring legacy of St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have arrived in India in AD 52 and was martyred here in AD 72. The basilica stands as one of only three churches in the world built atop the tomb of an apostle, the others being St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain. The current structure, a stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture, was constructed in 1896 by the British, replacing earlier Portuguese and smaller chapels that marked this sacred site. The white facade and towering spire, reaching 183 feet, create a striking presence. Inside, visitors are greeted by stained glass windows depicting the life of St. Thomas, wooden plaques illustrating the final days of Christ, and a serene atmosphere enhanced by the soaring ceilings and naturally lit interiors. The basilica's history is rich and layered. The Portuguese, arriving in the 16th century, built a church over the tomb, which was later elevated to a cathedral in 1606. The British reconstructed it in the late 19th century, giving it the Neo-Gothic style that defines it today. In 1956, Pope Pius XII raised the church to the status of a Minor Basilica, and in 2006, it was declared a National Shrine of India. Visitors can explore the attached museum, which houses historical artifacts related to St. Thomas and the church, including an ancient cross dating back to the 7th or 8th centuries. The tomb of St. Thomas lies beneath the main altar, accessible to pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike. Mass services are held daily in English and Tamil, offering a spiritual experience for devotees. The annual feast of St. Thomas, celebrated from June 29 to July 8, draws large crowds for novenas, masses, and a car procession.

Popular Experiences near Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Popular Hotels near Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Select Currency