San Thome Basilica, Minor basilica in Santhome, Chennai, India
San Thome Basilica is a church in the neo-Gothic style with white outer walls, two slender towers, and large stained glass windows. Inside, a central nave leads to an altar, beneath which lies a crypt.
Portuguese sailors built an early chapel in the 16th century at the spot where the apostle Thomas is believed to be buried. The present church was rebuilt in the 19th century in the neo-Gothic style and later elevated to basilica status.
The basilica name comes from the Tamil word for the apostle Thomas, who is honored as a martyr in the region. Worshippers visit the crypt beneath the altar, where they say prayers and light candles.
The church stands in a busy neighborhood of Chennai, easy to reach from the coastal road. A small museum inside displays objects from the site's history.
The crypt holds a reliquary with a bone fragment that local tradition claims belongs to the apostle. A marble slab marks the spot where Thomas is said to have died according to community accounts.
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