Tamil Nadu, India

Santhome Cathedral - Chennai's spiritual landmark!

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

9/10

Best time: October to March

2 hours

Explore Santhome Cathedral in Chennai! This stunning basilica, also called St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, holds the tomb of St. Thomas. A perfect heritage tourism spot!

Architecture

Culture

History

Religion

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Key Activities

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Additional Places

In Jaipur

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Top Activities in Santhome Cathedral

1
Admire The Stained-Glass Windows.
2
Attend A Prayer Service.
3
Explore The Museum.
4
Take Photos Of The Architecture.
5
Visit St. Thomas'S Tomb.

Detailed Information

Best Time to Visit

October to March

When to visit place on the day

Morning

Approximate expense

₹500 per person

History

According to tradition, St. Thomas the Apostle arrived in India in AD 52 and was martyred near Chennai in AD 72. His remains were interred here. A church was first built over his tomb in the 16th century by the Portuguese. In 1893, the British rebuilt it as a neo-Gothic cathedral, which stands today. It was raised to the status of a Minor Basilica in 1956 by Pope Pius XII. The cathedral stands as a testament to the enduring faith and history of Christianity in India, attracting pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike. Excavations have revealed remnants of the earlier Portuguese church beneath the current structure.

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