Description of the attraction
Basilica of Sao Tome is a Roman Catholic minor basilica (status acquired in 1956), located in the multimillion-dollar city of Chennai (Madras), in the southern part of the now popular Marina beach. It was originally erected by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century, on the site where the Apostle Thomas (Thomas) was buried. It is believed, but not all scholars are of this opinion, that St. Thomas was the founder of Christianity in India, where he arrived in 52. There he was martyred and buried in the territory of the present city of Chennai.
The built church was quite small in size and over time it began to need repairs. Therefore, later, in 1893, it was rebuilt by the British, but already as a cathedral. This amazing building is made in the neo-gothic style and has a dazzling white color. The building is decorated with many arches, pointed turrets and stained glass windows. The spire of the cathedral rises more than 47 meters above the city. It is light enough inside the building, but cool.
In addition, a museum was organized on the basis of the cathedral, in which, among other exhibits, you can see the very spear with which the apostle was killed. There is also an opportunity to watch a small film about the life of the saint in the mini-theater at the church. The coffin of the apostle is constantly available for public viewing and attracts pilgrims from all over the world.
In 2002, a large-scale reconstruction of the cathedral began, but, despite this, access to the remains of the saint was not closed. At the moment, the reconstruction of the temple has been completed.
