Designed and built by an Indian mason, commissioned by French clergymen, this fine example of gothic architecture stands proudly in the middle of Loyola College campus. Its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, rose windows, three-aisled nave and the flying butresses are a worthy testament to the Gothic style. The Loyola Chapel was built in 1933. Covering an area of 150 feet by 60 feet, with stained glass windows, this church is a captivating sight, inside as well as outside. The spire is 157 feet high and has a stairway leading to the top, where a cross stands.

An interesting snippet about this church is that its architect S. A Gnanpragasam Pillai, did not have any formal training in civil engineering or architecture. He was responsible for planning, designing and building the whole of Loyola College.

The church offers regular mass everyday for the students and people in the neighbouring areas. The church does not conduct any other services for the public. Marriages are held in the church, but only for alumni and staff of the college. The church, which is synonymous with Loyola College is a wonderful piece of architecture and defines the idyllic environment of Loyola college.

At the southern tip of Marina is the towering basilica built on the spot where St. Thomas (an apostle of Jesus Christ) was buried. This is the church of the Archbishop of Chennai - pastoral head of the Catholic community in the region.

Besides the beauty of its rising spire, this Gothic styled church has a brilliant stained glass depiction of St. Thomas' encounter with the resurrected Christ.

Some relics and a fragment of bone of the saint remain in the crypt below the altar.

|