The Santhome Cathedral is an ancient pilgrimage site built by the Portuguese sometime during the 14th to the 15th century AD. The Santhome Cathedral Basilica Church is located towards the southern end of the famous Marina beach in Chennai and resembles a typical neo Gothic style of architecture. It is one of the most prominent tourist locations in Chennai. The church is built over the Tomb of St. Thomas.
The Santhome Cathedral Basilica Church is sacred especially to the Catholic Christians. The Santhome Cathedral Basilica derives its name from St. Thomas, an archbishop of the Catholic Christians and an arch devotee of Jesus, and was built in his memory.
It is believed that St. Thomas, considered to be one among the twelve apostles, arrived in the area sometime in the middle of first century A.D. The shrine has undergone renovation a number of times since it was built. The shrine, it is believed, is the only the second church in the world to have been constructed on the burial site of an apostle.
The church was made into a basilica in 1896. Basilica implies a royal house or palace. The term Basilica therefore defines the splendour of a church and has been rightly conferred on Santhome Cathedral for its antiquity and historical significance. It attracts tourists from all parts of the globe. The cathedral at Santhome was built by the Portuguese between 14th and 15th century A.D.
A 3-feet high statue of Virgin Mary, said to have been imported from Portugal in 1543 A.D., has been kept inside the cathedral. The cathedral was raised to the status of basilica on March 16, 1956 by Pope Pius XII. The length of nave of the Cathedral is 112 ft. and width is 33 ft. The stunning stained glass windows in the basilica depict the story of St Thomas. The 180-feet high basilica also has a small museum.
Getting to Santhome Cathedral
Auto rickshaws, call taxis and luxury cabs are regularly available. Although call taxis charge a higher rate, they’re easily available. Auto rickshaws, nevertheless are cheap and charge Rs.8 for every kilometre. Chennai is also well connected both by rail and air with the major cities of India.
Chennai has a number of lodges and budgets hotels and it’s easy to get accommodation.
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