Sur les traces de St Thomas à Chennai
Description
Les visites sont dirigées par des ambassadeurs culturels qui feront revivre l'histoire et la culture de l'époque où saint Thomas est venu en Inde au premier siècle de notre ère.
Options de l'excursion
Itinéraire
Nous visitons la célèbre basilique San Thome, la principale église de l'archidiocèse catholique de Madras et Mylapore. Au 10ème siècle après JC, les chrétiens de Perse fondèrent ce village chrétien de Santhome, puis ils construisirent une église et une tombe sur le site de sépulture de Saint-Thomas. Construit dans un style néo-gothique, la structure actuelle a été construite par les explorateurs portugais au 16ème siècle. Le sanctuaire conserve un petit os du saint et la tête de la lance avec laquelle le saint a été percé. Nous aurons également l'occasion de voir une ancienne peinture de Notre Sainte Mère, Saint François Xavier, qui avait l'habitude de prier.
Little Mount est notre prochaine destination dans cette tournée de St Thomas. C'est une grotte dans laquelle Saint-Thomas s'est caché en l'an 68 et a fait pénitence. Il y a une ouverture à l'est de la grotte par laquelle Saint Thomas s'est échappé lorsque ses poursuivants l'ont rattrapé ici. L’empreinte de la paume et de la main près de l’entrée du tunnel serait celle de Saint Thomas lui-même. Nous verrons également la croix de maçonnerie coupée au sommet de la colline qui est supposée être la croix devant laquelle saint Thomas a prié. Un autre aspect intéressant de cette grotte est la source à l’intérieur de la colline, qui est une plante vivace et qui est supposée être la création miraculeuse de saint Thomas lui-même.
Le 21 décembre de l'an 72, saint Thomas fut assassiné sur cette colline. La colline abrite un sanctuaire dédié à Notre-Dame de l'espérance, construit en 1523. L'autel de ce sanctuaire a été construit à l'endroit même où saint Thomas a été assassiné. Une porte de quatre arches impressionnantes surmontée d'une croix portant la date d'inscription de 1547 constitue l'autre relique intéressante du mont Saint-Thomas.
Points forts
Ce qui est inclus
Lieux et horaires de prise en charge
Prise en charge dans tous les hôtels du centre de Chennai
Avis des voyageurs
Informations importantes
- Transports en commun disponibles à proximité
- Convient à toutes les conditions physiques
Avis(46)
The tour was exactly what I had hoped it would be. Hareesh is a great guide, and I am happy that he was with me. The traditional south Indian breakfast he recommended was tasty and fueled the rest of the day. The price is reasonable for the area and the specific focus. I had a great time.
My tour of Chennai my first full day in India was way beyond my expectations. I have taken city tours before and I think this is my favorite ever. Our tour guide made it so personal that I felt like I was sharing an experience with an old friend. The tour lasted longer than I expected, but only because we were so engaged with what we were learning. He showed no irritation at all with adding an hour to our expected tour. My companion who had never been to India before and I both considered this tour a life enhancing experience. I cannot recommend our tour guide any more highly than I am.
What a special experience! The tour was insightful, colourful and professional! We loved learning about Thomas, the church in India and religion in this beautiful country!
The tour around St Thomas in Chennai was very enjoyable. Our guide picked us in a clean car with a safe driver from our hotel lobby. The 3 key places - Santhome Basilica, Little Mount and St Thomas Mount were all very serene and personally moving. The handprint of St Thomas was amazing to see. There is a lot of history here which is not well known. I would highly recommend this to anyone coming to Chennai.
Had an awe-inspiring visit to the St. Thomas Basilica in Chennai. Walking in the footsteps of an original Apostle of Jesus…wow! Kannan of Five Senses Tours was terrific!
I never knew apostle St Thomas had come to chennai 2000 years ago! It was a wonderful tour about how Christianity was introduced in India. We saw a magnificent basilcia where the relics of St Thomas is kept. Next we saw a cave where St Thomas was hiding and eventually got martyred. The church on top of St Thomas Mount was amazing as well. Very highly recommended for people looking for a historic and cultural tour.
Hello. I am glad you enjoyed following the footsteps of St Thomas. Thanks for taking the time for this review. We value your feedback. It was our pleasure hosting you.
An interesting and informative tour that covers 1st century Christian influence in South India. Our Five Senses tour guide Kannan is a fountain of knowledge and his commentary made it all the more interesting. I recommend this tour to those who want a quick appreciation of the history of Christianity in India.
Hello. I am delighted you enjoyed the tour of following the footsteps of St Thomas. Thanks for taking the time for this review. We value your feedback. It was our pleasure hosting you.
Kannan was a knowledgeable and accommodating guide who customised the experience based on our needs and interests. I highly recommend his service!
Hello. Thanks for taking the time for this review. We value your feedback. I am delighted you enjoyed the St Thomas tour. It was our pleasure hosting you.
Hannan, our tour guide, was very helpful and accommodating in allowing us to explore each site at our own pace, after providing us with initial orienting information. He also guided us through an authentic meal that we enjoyed. Our driver was also very professional in the service he provided.
I am glad you enjoyed following the footsteps of St Thomas with Kannan. It was our pleasure.
The tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. She was understandable to American ears. She also supplied plenty of water on a hot day.
I am glad you liked the tour following the footsteps of St Thomas. It was our great pleasure to host you. Thanks for this feedback.
