St. Thomas Mount

The St. Thomas Mount was built in 1523 AD by the Portuguese at the very summit where Saint Thomas was said to have been killed. St. Thomas was an apostle of Christ who was believed to have reached Kerala around 52 AD. He then traveled to Mylapore to preach the gospel where he was killed while hiding in a cave. Known locally as Chinnamalai, this cave is entered via a Church that was built in 1551. A flight of 160 steps leads to the church on St. Thomas Mount, where one can see the painting of the Madonna that is said to have been done by St. Luke. The Bleeding Cross is an interesting relic here. This cross has bloodstains that seem to reappear even after they are scrubbed off. The Cross-is said to have first 'bled' during Mass in 1558. The perennial spring passing by the church is reputed to have curative powers. A festival is held at Little Mount every year just after Easter. Located near the Mount is the Basilica which was built over the tomb of St. Thomas.