Saint Chapelle

The Sainte-Chapelle is considered to be one of the most elaborative architectural masterpieces out of all the historical monuments in the world. The interior, exterior and general appearance of Sainte-Chapelle are one of a kind. The chapel is a paramount example of the phase of Gothic architectural style, known as the “Rayonnant”, marked by its lightness and strong vertical emphasis. It stands upon a lower chapel which served as a parish church for all inhabitants. 

On entering the courtyard of the chapel, one would see a grand staircase(the Grand Degres) on their right and the north flank and eastern apse on their left. The exterior of the chapel is relatively austere, elegant and simple, contrasting with the interiors of the chapel, which are critically detailed and rich in nature. The chapel rises above the basic rooflines of the palace and is clearly visible from long distances.

The stained glass dominates the interiors of the chapel; on the remaining areas of the walls and the vaults richly coloured and decorated, projecting great artistry. The original colours of the decorations and glass were much brighter and vivid than the ones we see today. The dado arcade is adorned with quatrefoils that are painted with scenes of saints and martyrs enclosed with gilded glass. Above the dado arcade is the shaft, present where are twelve stone sculptures representing twelve apostles. Each of them carries a disk marked with the Consecration Crosses. Coming to the intricate details of the stained glass that dominates the chapel, the nave and apse are fitted with humongous fifteen 13th-century windows. A vast rose tinted glass window overlooks the western wall. When it comes to the various categories by which the style of architecture is rated, the Sainte-Chapelle remains unbeaten to this day.

The construction of the Sainte-Chapelle was set into motion on the demand of King Louis IX, to house his personal collection of relics from Christendom, which included the Image of Edessa, Christ’s Crown of Thorns, and around thirty more relics. These relics, upon arrival into France, were stored in the Grand-Chasse, an enormous silver chest which cost the King a massive sum of money. A fact that is rare and unknown by many is that the entire cost to build the chapel was significantly less than the money spent on buying the relics and getting them into Paris. After it was completed, the consecration of the chapel took place in 1248 which marked the moving-in of those relics into the chapel after a great ceremonial procedure.

Secondly, apart from serving as a place of worship, this chapel held importance to Louis regarding political and cultural intentions. The imperial throne of Constantinople, occupied by the Count of Flanders, was countered by Louis’ artistic and architectural patronage after the Sainte-Chapelle was built, eventually leading him to position himself as the central King of western Christendom.

The Sainte-Chapelle has a gift cum book shop where you can buy different kinds of souvenirs and items that will always see their way onto your shelves of showpieces. The shop contains uniquely designed items that give out an antique radiance and are available at nominal prices.

The Sainte-Chapelle has musical events throughout the year with performances from great artists. This is the reason why it is a sight for thousands of visitors every month. The ideal time to visit would be the summer or the fall season, due to increment in the number of performances as its holiday season.

To reach Sainte-Chapelle, take Metro line 4 to the Cité stop and walk a block up the Rue de Lutèce to the Palais de Justice. Alternatively, you can take the RER to St-Michel - Nôtre Dame and walk away from the cathedral toward the Boulevard du Palais. From the St-Michel Métro stop on the Left Bank, cross the Pont St-Michel to the island; from the Hôtel de Ville stop on the Right Bank, walk across the Pont au Change.