St. Thomas Basilica stands in the Mylapore quarter, south of Chennai, overlooking the Bay of Bengal. According to Christian tradition, the edifice marks the location where the Apostle Thomas is believed to have been buried in the 1st century, making it one of three sanctuaries worldwide built over the supposed tomb of an apostle, alongside St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and Santiago de Compostela.

Why Visit St. Thomas Basilica

The basilica holds multiple points of interest for the traveler. From an architectural standpoint, the current structure illustrates the neo-Gothic style introduced by the British in the 19th century, with its characteristic slender white spires. Historically, the site testifies to the antiquity of Christianity in India, long predating the arrival of Europeans. Religiously, the crypt houses relics attributed to St. Thomas and attracts Christian pilgrims from across the subcontinent.

Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour to tour the basilica, crypt, and adjoining small museum.

History of the Basilica

St. Thomas in India: History and Tradition

According to Syriac Christian tradition, the Apostle Thomas is believed to have arrived at Muziris in present-day Kerala in 52 AD and preached there until 72 AD. According to the same tradition, he was martyred at the site now known as St. Thomas Mount near Chennai, and his remains were placed at the location of the present basilica.

An early Christian community, formed by Nestorians from Persia, is said to have settled on the site and built a church in honor of the apostle. This ancient structure fell into ruin over the centuries.

Portuguese and then British Reconstructions

In the 16th century, the Portuguese rebuilt the church on the same site. The edifice was then entirely redesigned in neo-Gothic style by the British in the 19th century, and the cathedral as seen today was completed in 1896.

Since 1952, the basilica has been part of the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore. It was elevated to the rank of minor basilica in 1956, then declared a national shrine in 2006 by the committee of Catholic bishops of India. The Diocese of Mylapore recently celebrated 400 years of the local Christian community.

What to See Inside

The Nave and Stained Glass Windows

The central hall is punctuated by 14 wooden pillars depicting the last days of Christ, in a manner akin to a Way of the Cross. A large stained-glass window depicts the encounter between Jesus and St. Thomas, a Gospel scene that gives deep meaning to the place.

The Statue of the Virgin and the Crypt

The basilica preserves a statue of the Virgin Mary approximately 90 cm tall, brought from Portugal in 1543, which ranks among the oldest Marian images in southern India. The central crypt, accessible to visitors, houses the relics attributed to St. Thomas, the principal object of devotion at the sanctuary.

The Museum and Mini-Theater

A small museum space houses stone inscriptions recounting the deeds of the evangelist, as well as a lance presented by tradition as the instrument of the apostle's martyrdom. A mini-theater screens a short film retracing the life of St. Thomas, helpful for understanding the context before your visit.

Practical Information

• Admission: free and open to all.
• Hours: open daily, from early morning to early evening. Check in advance, as hours are extended but may vary depending on services.
• Dress code: attire covering shoulders and knees is recommended, as in any Indian place of worship.
• Services: masses are celebrated in several languages. Visits are possible outside of services; during mass, silence and discretion are expected.
• Photography: generally tolerated inside without flash, prohibited during celebrations.

How to Get There

The basilica is located in Mylapore, approximately 1 km from Marina Beach and in the immediate vicinity of the Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Several options to reach it from downtown Chennai:

• Auto-rickshaw: the simplest option. Negotiate the fare before boarding or request the meter.
• Taxi or rideshare (Ola, Uber): comfortable and metered, convenient during the heat.
• Metro: Thirumayilai Station (Blue Line) serves Mylapore, a 10-15 minute walk away.
• Suburban train: Thirumayilai railway station is also nearby.

More to See in Mylapore

Mylapore is one of Chennai's oldest quarters and concentrates several major sites to combine with a visit to the basilica:

• Kapaleeshwarar Temple: a major Dravidian temple dedicated to Shiva, just a few minutes' walk away, recognizable by its colorful gopuram (gateway tower).
• Marina Beach: a long urban beach along the Bay of Bengal, ideal in the late afternoon.
• San Thome Beach: a beach situated just behind the basilica, quieter than Marina.
• Mylapore Markets: flower stalls, sari shops, and vegetarian restaurants of South Indian cuisine.

To further explore culture beyond Chennai, visit our pages on the Alchi Monastery in Ladakh or Bagore Ki Haveli in Rajasthan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Including the Basilica in Your Itinerary

Chennai serves as a natural gateway to explore South India, between Dravidian temples, colonial heritage, and the Coromandel coast. To include St. Thomas Basilica and Mylapore in a tailored itinerary, explore our travel packages in India.