In the center of Paris’ historic district, Sainte-Chapelle stands as a religious sanctuary fit for a king. Thank King Louis IX for his lavish spending on all things of grand scale. The bold gothic style Sainte-Chapelle is in the center of the royal residence known as Palais de la Cite´. Built in the 13th century between 1242 and 1248, Sainte-Chapelle is a stunning work of architecture. The spire rises 75 meters (246 feet) above street level. Construction on Sainte-Chapelle finished 80 years after Notre Dame Cathedral.
Sainte-Chapelle’s moody exterior adorned with gargoyles around the perimeter of the roof is a stark contrast to the ornate interior of the upper chapel, with its more than 1,300 stained-glass panels. The upper chapel is a breathtaking work of art. A walkway connected the sanctuary to the royal residence so the ruling family could have exclusive access. The upper chapel was also used for royal weddings and coronations. Louis IX had Sainte-Chapelle erected to store the Holy Relics of the Passion of the Christ, which came into his possession a year before construction started in 1239. Among the possessions was the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus during his crucifixion.
When the French Revolution broke out in the late 1700s, angry Revolutionaries stormed Sainte-Chapelle, and other iconic symbols of royalty and privilege, and ransacked the sanctuary, except for the stained-glass. Many of the Holy Relics disappeared. Some were later reclaimed, including the Crown of Thorns, and stored at Notre Dame Cathedral. Those same relics also survived the devastating Notre Dame fire in April of 2019. Sainte-Chapelle is an excellent tour to learn French history and heritage, art, and religion.
Here are a few links to help you plan a visit:
