Overview

Santhome at the southern end of Marina Beach derives its name from St. Thomas, the apostle of Christ who is believed to have come to Madras sometime during 52 A.D. He was killed on St. Thomas Mount just outside the city in 78 A.D. and was interned in Santhome beach, where a church was later built. Several years later, another church was built further inland and his mortal remains were transferred from the old church to the new one. In 1606 the church was rebuilt as a cathedral and in 1896 it was made a basilica. The beautiful stained glass window at the basilica portrays the story of St. Thomas and the central hall has 14 wooden plaques depicting scenes from the last days of Christ. In the cathedral is a 3 ft. high statue of Virgin Mary, which is believed to have been brought from Portugal in 1543.