San Thome Basilica

San Thome Basilica is a Roman Catholic minor basilica located in Santhome, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, it is one of only three churches in the world constructed over the tomb of an apostle. Originally built by the Portuguese in 1523 and rebuilt in Neo-Gothic style by the British in 1896, the whitewashed basilica features a 64-metre spire, stained-glass windows, and a museum.

Visitors can expect a white Neo-Gothic basilica with a tall spire, pointed arches, stained-glass windows depicting St. Thomas and the life of Christ, and a peaceful interior with wooden pews and altar. The underground chapel houses the tomb and relics of St. Thomas. A small museum displays artifacts, documents and relics related to the apostle. The complex includes prayer halls, a grotto, and seaside surroundings near Marina Beach with areas for quiet reflection and photography outside.

Tradition holds that St. Thomas the Apostle arrived in South India in 52 CE and was martyred at St. Thomas Mount in 72 CE, buried at Santhome. A chapel was first built over his tomb by Portuguese explorers in 1523. The present Neo-Gothic structure was rebuilt by the British in 1893-1896. It was elevated to minor basilica status in 1956 and declared a National Shrine. It is one of only three churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle, the others being St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

A major Roman Catholic pilgrimage centre and National Shrine dedicated to St. Thomas the Apostle, revered as the Apostle of India. It holds religious importance for Christians across India and abroad, hosts daily Masses, feast celebrations on July 3 (St. Thomas Day) and December, and reflects Indo-Portuguese and British colonial architectural heritage in Chennai.