Basilica of San Thome (San Thome Basilica) description and photos - India: Chennai (Madras) (Topic)

San Thome Basilica description and photos - India: Chennai (Madras). Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is San Thome Basilica.

Photo and description

Basilica of Sao Tome is a Roman Catholic minor basilica (acquired in 1956), located in the multimillion-dollar city of Chennai (Madras), in the southern part of the now popular Marina beach. It was originally erected by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century, on the site where the Apostle Thomas (Thomas) was buried. It is believed, but not all scholars are of this opinion, that St. Thomas was the founder of Christianity in India, where he arrived in 52. There he was martyred and was buried in the territory of the present city of Chennai.

The built church was quite small in size and over time began to need repairs. Therefore, later, in 1893, it was rebuilt by the British, but already as a cathedral. This amazing building is made in the neo-gothic style and has a dazzling white color. The building is adorned with many arches, pointed turrets and stained glass windows. The spire of the cathedral rises more than 47 meters above the city. The inside of the building is bright enough, but cool.

In addition, a museum was organized on the basis of the cathedral, where, among other exhibits, you can see the very spear that killed the apostle. It is also possible to watch a small film about the life of the saint in the mini-theater at the church. The coffin of the apostle is constantly available for public viewing and attracts pilgrims from all over the world.

In 2002, a large-scale reconstruction of the cathedral began, but, despite this, access to the remains of the saint was not closed. At the moment, the reconstruction of the temple has been completed.

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Topic: Basilica of San Thome (San Thome Basilica) description and photos - India: Chennai (Madras).