|Gothic-style architectural masterpiece|
Sainte Chapelle Paris : The Sainte-Chapelle (1241 beginning of construction -1248 opening) is a Gothic-style architectural masterpiece with stunning stained-glass windows. Having bought the Sacred Relics from the Emperors of Constantinople, Louis IX called Saint Louis managed to increase the city’s worldwide prestige, making Paris the second Christian capital in the world. The relics were 3 times more expensive than the construction of the Sainte-Chapelle.
Sainte Chapelle Paris location
Île de la Cité is the very center of Paris and the location where the medieval city was founded, certainly the oldest part of Paris or Lutèce for its first name. The Île de la Cité is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Paris, with some of the main landmarks, like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie.
King Louis IX, future Saint Louis, build the Sainte chapelle in Paris to house the most prestigious relics of the Passion of Christ: the Crown of Thorns and the fragment of the True Cross.
These relics were handed over to the Archdiocese of Paris in 1804 and are kept in the Treasury of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral until the fire in April 2019; since that date, they have been deposited in the Louvre Museum.
Sainte Chapelle Paris floors
Sainte Chapelle Paris is made up of two floors. Only the King and his royal court had access to the top floor chapel and this is where the relics were kept. The first-floor chapel was the place of worship of the Palace personnel.
The stained glass windows of the chapel date from the 19th century on subjects proposed by François de Guilhermy and made by Steinheil.
During the French Revolution the Sainte-Chapelle suffered heavy damage. The remaining relics that survived the Revolution were moved to Notre Dame Cathedral’s treasury, and now to the Louvre Museum.
During Lent, the veneration of the Crown of thorns presented to the faithful took place every Friday at 3:00 p.m. and on Good Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Saint Germain l’Auxerrois church in Paris, next to the Louvre.
Upper Chapel
The upper chapel was built as a reliquary. It was decorated lavishly with sculptures and enormous stained glass that fill the chapel with light and colour.
The 15 stained glass windows, which leave just enough room for the chapel’s columns, are made of 1,113 scenes that narrate the history of mankind from Genesis to the resurrection of Christ.
Lower Chapel
The lower chapel holds the statue of the Virgin Mary, patron of this sanctuary. The interior polychrome decoration, which is mostly red and blue, recreates the original medieval decoration.
The eastern apse still preserves a fresco of the Annunciation made during the thirteenth century, which is the oldest mural in the city.
This church is a gothic style gem and is considered a masterpiece of 13th-century architecture. Have a private walking tour on the Ile de la Cité to discover our Gothic Treasures from the Catholic church, kings of France and the Republic.
Emy,