Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Santhome Cathedral Basilica is a breathtaking blend of beauty, history, and spirituality — truly one of Chennai’s most iconic landmarks. The striking neo-Gothic architecture, majestic white spires, and serene stained-glass windows make the cathedral a visual masterpiece. What makes this place extraordinary is its deep historical significance. Built directly over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, it is one of only three churches in the world standing atop an apostle’s burial site. The underground crypt offers a peaceful, sacred space for reflection, while the on-site museum displays rare artifacts, including the spearhead believed to have been used in the martyrdom of St. Thomas. The entire atmosphere is calming, spiritual, and refreshing — a perfect escape from the city’s rush. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture admirer, or someone seeking quiet moments of peace, Santhome Cathedral Basilica is a must-visit. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍

"A Must-Visit Landmark in Chennai!" Santhome Cathedral Basilica is a beautiful and historically rich place that absolutely deserves a visit. The neo-Gothic architecture with its stunning white spires and serene stained-glass windows is breathtaking. What makes it truly special is its history—it's built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. You can visit the peaceful underground crypt and the fascinating museum which houses artifacts like the spearhead believed to have killed the saint. The whole atmosphere is incredibly calm and spiritual. It’s perfect for history buffs, architecture lovers, or anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the city. Highly recommended!❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

Only three churches {St. Peter's Basilica in Rome (over St. Peter's tomb), the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain (over St. James's tomb), and the San Thome Church in Chennai, India (over St. Thomas's tomb)}in the world are built over the tomb of an apostle of jesus Christ. With its white texture and spires, the Santhome Church stands majestically tall and makes you pause and appreciate its beauty. Built in neo-Gothic style, the church delights every visitor with its naturally lit interiors, rows of wooden pews and striking windows with coloured panes.

It's a spectacular architectural monument made a few steps beside the sea. There's peace and calm inside the church. It's made with great craftsmanship. The views were marvelous both inside and outside. You can just go alone by yourself, sit in the silence and pray, you'll find your inner peace for sure. And the staff there are helpful and kind as well. Great place for a visit when you're in Chennai.

Beautiful little Christian enclave in Chennai. The tomb of St Thomas is well worth a visit. Also walking distance from the beach which is also lots of fun😀

I’ve always loved exploring places of worship for their history and architecture — and Santhome Cathedral Basilica in Chennai truly impressed me. The moment I saw it, I was struck by its beautiful white Gothic structure rising gracefully against the sky. The pointed spires, arched doorways, and tall windows give it such a majestic look, and the detailing is absolutely stunning. Inside, the atmosphere is calm and peaceful. The stained glass windows bring in soft, colorful light that fills the space with a quiet serenity. Even as someone from a different faith, I could feel a deep sense of spirituality and respect in the place. Architecturally, it’s a masterpiece — the symmetry, the high ceilings, and the intricate craftsmanship reflect classic European design, yet it blends so harmoniously with the coastal surroundings of Chennai. Learning that the church was built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, one of Jesus’s disciples, made the visit even more meaningful from a historical point of view. Overall, Santhome Cathedral Basilica is more than just a religious site — it’s a blend of art, history, and peace. You don’t have to be Christian to appreciate its beauty; it’s a place that speaks to anyone who values culture and architecture.

Woww..! 😱❤ Such a huge church in Tamil Nadu. Really it is the largest church of Tamil Nadu. This was the first church I ever visited. Free entry. Entry allowed for all religion. Such a peaceful place. Beach is nearby in a walkable distance.

After many disappointing fake reviews on various places in Chennai, this is only one worth of my praise. We went to beach for sunset but couldn’t stand the place so started walking back to this church. God is good, we did not expect the lightings on this church but it was so beautiful. There was service going on in the sanctuary, although we didn’t understand the song, but the music was so calming. The night temperature was pleasant too, praise the Lord!