History of Santhome Cathedral and Basilica

Santhome Cathedral and Basilica is a Catholic pilgrimage center located in the city of Chennai (formerly Madras) in Tamil Nadu, India. The cathedral is believed to have been built on the site where St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, is said to have been buried after his martyrdom in India in the 1st century AD.

According to tradition, St. Thomas arrived in India in 52 AD and preached the Gospel in various parts of the country, including the Tamil Nadu region. He is said to have converted many people to Christianity and established several churches, one of which was in the city of Mylapore, where he was eventually martyred.

The current cathedral was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century on the site of an earlier church that had been destroyed by the Muslim ruler of the region. The cathedral was later renovated and expanded by the British in the 19th century, who added the iconic spire to the building.

The cathedral is known for its beautiful Neo-Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and ornate altar. The basilica houses the tomb of St. Thomas, which is located in a crypt beneath the main altar.