The Sainte-Chapelle in Paris is a royal chapel in the Gothic style located in the heart of the Palais de la Cité, the former residence of the kings of France. Built in the 13th century, it is one of the most beautiful monuments of the French capital.
History of the Sainte-Chapelle
The Sainte-Chapelle was built in 1248 by King Louis IX, also known as Saint Louis, to house the relics of the Passion of Christ, including the Crown of Thorns. The chapel was intended to be a royal chapel, not open to the public, and was used mainly for royal ceremonies.
The chapel was damaged during the French Revolution and was restored in the 19th century. Today, the Sainte-Chapelle is a popular tourist attraction, and it is open to the public.
Architecture of the Sainte-Chapelle
The Sainte-Chapelle is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The building is made up of two levels: the lower chapel, which was used for religious services, and the upper chapel, which was used for royal ceremonies.
The upper chapel is made up of two stories. The first story is composed of a large hall, with two chapels on either side. The second story is composed of a large chapel, with two chapels on either side. The walls of the upper chapel are decorated with stained glass windows, which depict biblical scenes.
The lower chapel is a single story, with three chapels. The walls of the lower chapel are decorated with paintings and frescoes.
What to See at the Sainte-Chapelle
The Sainte-Chapelle is a must-see for visitors to Paris. Here are some of the highlights:
- Stained Glass Windows: The stained glass windows of the upper chapel are some of the most beautiful in the world. They depict scenes from the Bible and from the lives of the saints.
- Paintings and Frescoes: The walls of the lower chapel are decorated with paintings and frescoes, depicting scenes from the Bible and from the lives of the saints.
- Relics: The Sainte-Chapelle houses some of the most important relics of Christianity, including the Crown of Thorns.
Visiting the Sainte-Chapelle
The Sainte-Chapelle is open to the public from 10am to 6pm, except on Sundays and public holidays. The entrance fee is 8€ for adults and 5€ for children. Guided tours are available for an additional fee.
Getting to the Sainte-Chapelle
The Sainte-Chapelle is located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, near the Île de la Cité. It is easily accessible by public transportation. The nearest Metro stations are Cité, Saint-Michel, and Châtelet.