Luz Church (Nossa Senhora da Luz) in Mylapore is one of the oldest European churches in Chennai, built by Portuguese sailors in 1516. The name comes from the Portuguese word for light — according to tradition, sailors caught in a storm off the coast spotted a mysterious light onshore and followed it to safety. They built a small chapel on the spot in gratitude.
The church was later expanded during British rule but retains its simple, sturdy Portuguese colonial character. The whitewashed exterior and modest interior are a contrast to the grander San Thome Cathedral nearby, but Luz Church has an appealing plainness that suits its age. The surrounding neighbourhood in Mylapore is worth exploring for its mix of Hindu temples, old Brahmin houses, and South Indian coffee shops.