Sainte-Chapelle

Paris, France

Sainte-Chapelle (The Holy Chapel) is a 13th-century Gothic chapel on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, France. Sainte-Chapelle was founded by the ultra-devout King Louis IX of France, who constructed it as a chapel for the royal palace and to house precious relics. The palace itself has otherwise utterly disappeared, leaving the Sainte-Chapelle all but surrounded by the Palais de Justice.

Unlike many devout aristocrats, who regularly swiped sacred relics, the saintly Louis bought his for a hefty sum. In 1239, he purchased the crown of thorns from the impoverished Latin emperor at Constantinople, Baldwin II, for 135,000 livres (the entire chapel, by contrast, cost 40,000 livres to build). A piece of the True Cross was added, along with other relics, making Sainte-Chapelle a valuable reliquary.

In addition to properly sheltering his holy relics, Sainte-Chapelle was a result of Louis' political ambition to be the central monarch of western Christendom. At the time Louis' royal chapel was constructed, the imperial throne at Constantinople was occupied by a mere Count of Flanders and the Holy Roman Empire was in uneasy disarray.

Sainte-Chapelle was planned in 1241, started in 1246 and quickly completed: it was consecrated on April 26, 1248.

Just as the Emperor could pass privately from his palace into Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, so now King Louis could walk directly from his palace into the Sainte-Chapelle. The king died of the plague on a crusade, was later canonized by the Pope, and is now known as Saint Louis.

During the French Revolution, the chapel was converted to an administrative office, and the windows were obscured by enormous filing cabinets. Their all-but-forgotten beauty was thereby inadvertently protected from the vandalism in which the choir stalls and the rood screen were destroyed, the spire pulled down and the relics dispersed.

Most of Louis' precious relicswere lost or destroyed in the French Revolution; the few that remain are in the treasury of Notre-Dame Cathedral. In the 19th century, Viollet-le-Duc restored the chapel. The current spire is his design. Sainte-Chapelle has been a national historic monument since 1862.

Despite its small and humble exterior above the Palais de Justice buildings, Sainte-Chapelle is among the high points of French High Gothic architecture. The interior gives a a strong sense of fragile beauty, created by reducing the structural supports to a bare minimum to make way for huge expanse of exquisite stained glass. The result is a feeling of being enveloped in light and color.

Sainte-Chapelle stands squarely upon a lower chapel which served as parish church for all the inhabitants of the palace. This chapel, which is rather plain, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. A souvenir stand often occupies most of the chapel today.

The most visually beautiful aspects of the chapel, and considered the best of their type in the world, are its 6,458 square feet of stained glass windows of the upper chapel, surrounded by delicate painted stonework. The windows are in deep reds and blues and illustrate 1,130 figures from the Bible. The rose windows added to the upper chapel in the 15th century.

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Details

Founded: 1241-1248
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Late Capetians (France)

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Janice McDonald (3 months ago)
This place is stunning. It's very understated from the outside but once you climb the winding stairs from the gift shop, it takes your breath away. There are large placards you can pickup at the chapel entrance with information about uts history and the stained glass.
Will Buckley (3 months ago)
This was such an amazing experience! Those under 18 got in free and skipped the line, although everyone went through security. It was absolutely magnificent and definitely a must-see when visiting Paris!
Jay Wijayaweera (4 months ago)
Wow, it was an amazing experience! I loved it. When you go inside, it's a different feeling altogether. You have to look at each line from the bottom up, as each line has a separate story to tell. You also have to go to the upper level to see the stunning glass walls. And the best part? Entry is free with the Paris Museum Pass. Be sure to keep it with you wherever you go in Paris, it comes in handy!
Ali Chavoshi (4 months ago)
This Catholic church, which is also known as the second most popular attraction in Paris, Was built in 1248 by Louis IX on Cite Island. When you enter this church, you will realize the peak of Gothic art and architecture. The most spectacular part of the church is the very tall and colorful windows that dazzle the eyes under the sunlight. I suggest you to visit there and enjoy both the peace and its beauty.
Nina Cervantes (5 months ago)
It’s a beautiful place to tour while in Paris. The books of the Bible beautifully glisten down at you while the sun shines on the colored glass. You have to go see for yourself. I used the Paris Museum Pass for entry highly recommend you reserve your tickets prior. No entry even with the pass.
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