St Thomas Cathedral Basilica is an ancient church, which brings all the references from the British, and Foreign Groups in India. The most important fact about the Santhome Church is that it is one of the three churches in the world, that is built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus. The other two churches apart from St Thomas Cathedral Basilica are St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Galicia, Spain.

Bible says Saint Thomas was born in the Judea state of the Roman Province. He is considered to be one of the 12 Disciples of Jesus. He is said to have touched the wound of Jesus when Jesus rose after his death. In AD 52, he visited Kerala, for preaching Christianity in India. He moved on to Chennai. He was killed in AD 72. His disciples chose to make the tomb, and he was buried in Mylapore. Muslims also respected his tomb and took care of it. They called it Bothuma.
 

St Thomas Cathedral Basilica displays gracious architecture in terms of beauty, skill, and magnificence. The St Thomas Cathedral Basilica Church is built with the style of Gothic revival architecture, which is a popular late 19th-century style of architecture. The church has a very creative Rib Vault roof ceiling made of Teakwood. As the history of Saint Thomas says in his wound-touching story of Jesus, the Church’s 16 windows and 34 stained glass represent the same incident.

St Thomas Cathedral Basilica has a number of rituals during the day in the Church. Those are :

• Regular Mass at the Main and Tomb Chapels: 5:45 AM
• Rosary: 6:15 AM
• Mass in English: 11:00 AM
• Mass in Tamil (Crypt Chapel): 5:30 PM
• Benediction: 5:45 PM
• Rosary: 6:15 PM
• Mass in Tamil on Sundays: 6.00 AM

The church stands in the area of Mylapore, which is again one of the oldest areas of Chennai. One can have an amazing time there, exploring the neighborhood, tasting South-Indian cuisine, and shopping. 

There is a museum inside the church that displays souvenirs of the great saint and his legend. This makes the visitors and tourists aware of the glorious past of San Thome Church.
 

• Make sure your phones are switched off inside the prayer halls.
• Try to stay away from the Sacred memorials and Altar, and respect the rules implemented by the authorities.
• Chennai has a humid and sunny climate. So apply sunscreen when going out, to prevent sunburns,
• Wear decent clothes which are compatible with the modesty of the Church. 
• Visiting in the afternoon is the best and most suitable time.
   

The best time to visit St Thomas Cathedral Basilica is between October to February when the weather is comfortable and pleasant. You can also visit this church during Christmas when the celebrations are at their peak. Chennai is extremely hot during the months of July to September. So, planning a trip within these months can be tiring. The rest of the months can be cool and breezy.

• Mylapore
• Express Avenue Mall
• Marina Beach
• Manthra Bali Spa
   

• The tomb of Saint Thomas: There is a  sacred tomb of Saint Thomas which is marked with a second tower, in 1893-96.
• Saint Thomas is being portrayed as lying down in the glass case inside the church. 
• San Thome Church has a museum of antiquities that houses multiple memorabilia and other antique displays related to the life and work of Saint Thomas. 
• The church also has a  display case that holds the great apostle's fingerprints.
• The church takes donations every year during the Christmas and Easter season, from members and non-members to serve the communities and humanity.