The Sainte-Chapelle is a magnificent Gothic chapel located in the heart of Paris, France. Built in the 13th century, the chapel is renowned for its beauty and grandeur. The chapel was originally constructed to house the relics of Christ and is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe.
History
The Sainte-Chapelle was commissioned by King Louis IX of France in 1242 and completed in 1248. The chapel was built on the Île de la Cité, an island in the middle of the Seine River, and was designed to house the relics of Christ that the king had purchased from Emperor Baldwin II of Constantinople. The relics included the Crown of Thorns and a fragment of the True Cross. The chapel was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was used as a royal chapel by the kings of France.
Architecture
The Sainte-Chapelle is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The chapel is composed of two levels: the lower level, which served as the entrance and contained a treasury, and the upper level, which housed the relics. The upper level is a perfect example of Gothic architecture, with its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and stained glass windows. The stained glass windows are particularly impressive and depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
Restoration
The Sainte-Chapelle has been through several restorations over the centuries. In the 17th century, the chapel was damaged by a fire and had to be restored. In the 19th century, the chapel was again restored, this time to its original Gothic style. The most recent restoration was completed in 2013 and included the cleaning and restoration of the stained glass windows.
Visit the Sainte-Chapelle
The Sainte-Chapelle is open to visitors daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Visitors can explore the chapel and admire the stunning stained glass windows, as well as the other architectural features. Tickets for admission are available online or at the chapel.
Highlights
- Gothic architecture
- Stained glass windows
- Houses relics of Christ
- Open daily