A neo-Gothic Catholic basilica built in 1893 over the reputed tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, one of only three churches in the world said to stand over an apostle's burial place. A small museum holds Portuguese-era relics.
San Thome Basilica stands at 38 Santhome High Road in Santhome, Mylapore, close to the sea in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The present neo-Gothic church was built in 1893 over the reputed tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, and it is one of only three churches in the world said to stand over an apostle's burial place. A Portuguese chapel stood on the site earlier, and the church's history reflects Chennai's long Christian and trading past.
The building is easy to recognise by its slender white spire and pale Gothic facade, which rises above the palm trees and low houses of the district. Inside, visitors find a tall nave with pointed arches, stained-glass windows, a carved altar and a calm, cool interior that contrasts with the busy street outside. Steps lead down to the tomb chamber, where pilgrims light candles and pray. A small museum attached to the basilica holds Portuguese-era relics, old documents, carved stones and objects connected with the apostle's legend, and a nominal fee may apply.
A visit usually lasts 45 minutes to one hour. The basilica opens about 6:00AM and closes around 7:30PM, while the museum and tomb crypt keep shorter hours of roughly 8:30AM to 5:30PM. Morning is the quietest time, when light enters through the stained glass and few tour groups are present. Evening Mass draws local worshippers and is a good way to see the church in use, although visitors should stay respectful and silent during services. The busiest periods are Christmas week and the December St. Thomas festival, when the grounds fill with pilgrims and vendors.
Visitors are expected to dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and to lower their voices inside. Photography is usually permitted in the main church but may be discouraged in the tomb chamber and during services. The basilica is a short drive from Kapaleeshwarar Temple and the Mylapore Mada streets, so it pairs naturally with them in a half-day tour of old Mylapore. The nearest suburban station is Light House MRTS, about three kilometres away, so most visitors arrive by auto or app cab.
| Admission | Adult Free; a small donation is customary and the museum charges a nominal fee · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily about 6:00AM-7:30PM; small museum and tomb crypt have shorter hours, roughly 8:30AM-5:30PM |
| Typical visit | 45 minutes-1 hour |
| Best time | Morning, or the evening Mass; Christmas week and the December St. Thomas festival are crowded |
| Getting there | Auto or app cab from Mylapore or Adyar; the nearest suburban station is Light House MRTS, about 3km |
| Address | 38, Santhome High Road, Santhome, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004, India |
Location
38, Santhome High Road, Santhome, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004, India
13.0335, 80.2767 View on map
Highlights
- Neo-Gothic spire and facade of the 1893 basilica
- Tomb chamber of St. Thomas below the church
- Small museum with Portuguese-era relics
- Evening Mass and candlelit atmosphere
Tips for visiting
- Dress modestly and keep voices low inside the church
- Visit in the morning for quiet and good light through the stained glass
- Check museum hours, which are shorter than the church's
- A small donation is customary
- Avoid Christmas week and the December festival if crowds are a concern
- Ask before photographing near the tomb or during Mass
When to visit
Morning or evening Mass gives the quietest, most atmospheric visit. Christmas week and the December St. Thomas festival are very crowded.
Accessibility
The main church has a level entrance, but the tomb crypt is reached by steps. Wheelchair users can see the nave but may have difficulty reaching the lower chamber and museum.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to San Thome Basilica take?
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to one hour, including the tomb and the museum.
Is there an entry fee?
Entry to the church is free, with a small donation customary and a nominal fee for the museum.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is usually allowed in the main church but may be restricted in the tomb chamber and during services.
Can visitors attend Mass?
Yes, visitors are welcome at services if they remain respectful and quiet.