Fort
St. GeorgeFort St. George occupies a place of pride and prominence in Chennai. It was built in 1640 A.D by the British East India Company, under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. This bastion achieved its name from St. George, the patron saint of England. The fort houses St. Mary's Church and Fort Museum.
Marina Beach
Marina Beach has the honour of being the second largest beach
in
the world. An Aquarium, and a few beautiful buildings like the
University of Madras, Senate-House, Chepauk Palace, etc. on the
beachfront add colour to the beach.The Fort Museum
This repository of rare exhibits is home to a number of weapons, uniforms, coins, costumes, medals and other artefacts dating back to the British period. The flag -staff at Fort St. George is the tallest in India. South of the Fort is the War Memorial, a graceful monument built in 1939 in memory of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the First World War. The Island Grounds, the biggest lung space in the city, is situated on an island formed by the river Cooum. This ground is the venue for Trade and the Tourist Fairs held periodically which are seasonal attractions.
Santhome Cathedral Basilica
Santhome at the southern end of Marina Beach derives its name from St.
Thomas, the apostle of Christ who is believed to have come to Madras
sometime during 52 A.D. He was killed on St. Thomas Mount just outside
the city in 78 A.D. and was interned in Santhome beach, where a church
was later built. Several years later, another church was built further
inland and his mortal remains were transferred from the old church to
the new one. In 1606 the church was rebuilt as a cathedral and in 1896
it was made a basilica. The beautiful stained glass window at the
basilica portrays the story of St. Thomas and the central hall has 14
wooden plaques depicting scenes from the last days of Christ. In the
cathedral is a 3 ft. high statue of Virgin Mary, which is believed to
have been brought from Portugal in 1543.