San Thome Basilica
சாந்தோம் பேராலயம்
A white neo-Gothic basilica built over the tomb of the Apostle Thomas. It is one of only three churches in the world built over an apostle's tomb.
Tradition holds that St. Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, preached in India and was buried here after his martyrdom. Portuguese settlers built a church over the tomb in the 16th century. The current white neo-Gothic building was completed in 1896. Its spire is about 47 metres high, and its interior stained-glass windows depict scenes from the lives of the apostles. The underground tomb chamber and museum display related relics. Admission is free. The basilica is near the southern end of Marina Beach and can be combined with a visit to the Kapaleeswarar Temple.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:00–21:00
Nearby sights
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple
- Vivekanandar Illam (Ice House)
- Parthasarathy Temple
- Marina Beach
- Theosophical Society Adyar
- Elliot's Beach (Besant Nagar)
- Valluvar Kottam
- Ashtalakshmi Temple