San Thome Cathedral Basilica
Similar to Chiang Rai Temple in Thailand, San Thome Cathedral has a stunning all-white facade. It is believed that Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, was killed atop St Thomas Mount by a lance which pierced through his back. Portuguese explorers then built the Cathedral in the sixteenth century over the tomb of Saint Thomas to commemorate his death.
Inside the basilica, there’s a long stretch to the altar, with Roman Catholic art on the arches. As picturesque as cathedrals are, San Thome not only entices photographers but also serves as a pilgrimage site for Christians in India. The church has an attached museum which displays the apostle’s fingerprint and paintings that depicted the saint’s life. The museum holds a variety of antiques, as well as the lance that killed Saint Thomas. Its opening hours are 6 am to 9 pm.
Tips for travellers: Head over to Marina Beach (a.k.a. the second-longest urban beach in the world) after your visit to San Thome Cathedral to bask in the cool winds and refreshments run by locals at the kiosks. It’s just 12 minutes away on foot.
San Thome Cathedral Basilica, 38 Santhome High Road, Dummingkuppam, Mylapore, Chennai, India