Sainte Chapelle
The Saint Chapelle is a beautiful Gothic chapel located in the center of Paris, well known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and rich history. It was built in the 13th century by King Louis IX as a royal chapel and a place to house the Crown of Thorns, which was believed to have been worn by Jesus at his crucifixion. To what extent that is true I'll leave up to you.
When you enter the Saint Chapelle, you will be immediately struck by the beauty of the chapel's stained-glass windows. The windows, which cover almost the entire walls, depict scenes from the Bible and are considered some of the most beautiful examples of medieval stained glass in the world. The upper chapel's windows are particularly impressive, as they are made of 15,000 square feet of glass, allowing natural light to filter in and illuminate the chapel, not unlike what you may have experienced at the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
The chapel's interior has cost a lot of labor as well, with intricate carvings and sculptures dressing up the walls and ceiling. Admire the beauty of the chapels impressive columns and rib vaults and also the frescoes that adorn the walls. (Frescoes are watercolor paintings that were done rapidly on wet plaster on a wall or ceiling so that the colorant penetrates the plaster and fixes there)
The Saint Chapelle is also a significant historical site, as it was a royal chapel for over 500 years and has been a witness to many important events in French history. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the chapel's history and the significance of the Crown of Thorns.
Overall, the Saint Chapelle is a must-see destination for any art or history lover visiting Paris. The chapel's stunning stained-glass windows and intricate interior decoration make it a unique and unforgettable place to visit. The rich history of the chapel and the significance of the Crown of Thorns also make it a fascinating place to explore. So, make sure to add the Saint Chapelle to your itinerary the next time you visit Paris, and be prepared to be awed by its beauty and history.
Do It Yourself Walking Tour Script
As we approach the Sainte-Chapelle, you can see why it’s often described as a “jewel box.” This isn’t just a chapel; it’s a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, built as part of the royal palace for King Louis IX, also known as Saint Louis. Imagine this courtyard filled with the king’s household, all centered around this magnificent structure.
We start in the lower chapel, where the king’s household once worshipped. But the real marvel lies in the upper chapel, which was reserved for the king, queen, and their court. As we move upstairs, you’ll notice niches on either side where the king and queen would have sat, reflecting their central role in this sacred space. At the far end, there once stood a grand reliquary, which housed the Crown of Thorns, one of the most revered relics of Christendom.
King Louis IX acquired this relic at great cost from his cousin, the Byzantine emperor. It’s fascinating to consider what the Crown of Thorns represented to the faithful—it was believed to have touched Christ during His Passion, making it a powerful connection to the divine. This entire chapel can be seen as a grand reliquary itself, a fitting home for such a sacred object.
As you look around, you’ll see that over three-quarters of the building’s surface is made of glass. These 15 towering stained glass windows fill the chapel with a golden, ethereal light, especially on a sunny day. The light filters through in reds, blues, purples, and golds, creating an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly, emphasizing the divine nature of the space.
These windows are more than just beautiful—they tell stories. Each window is like a massive, illuminated manuscript, depicting scenes from the Bible, as well as the story of how the Crown of Thorns was brought to Paris. You might notice a specific window that depicts the moment Christ had the crown placed on His head, directly connecting the relic that was once housed here to the biblical narrative.
Around the windows, you’ll see sculptures of the apostles and quatrefoils depicting scenes of martyrdom. Angels in the spandrels swing censers, reminding us of the chapel’s rich liturgical life. Imagine the space filled with music, incense, and the voice of the priest, creating a sensory experience that would have felt deeply spiritual to those who worshipped here.
Look up, and you’ll notice the delicate ribbed groin vaults, typical of the Gothic style, and the slender colonnettes that seem to almost float upward. The masonry is reduced to mere mullions, allowing for maximum light to pour through the windows. This is the essence of the Rayonnant Gothic style, where the walls open up entirely to glass, creating a space that feels light, delicate, and heavenly.
Finally, as we step outside, take a moment to look at the chapel from the exterior. You’ll see the buttresses and pinnacles that support this miraculous structure, almost resembling a crown, tying back to the sacred relic it was built to house. The combination of delicate glass and robust stone speaks to the incredible skill of the Gothic architects who designed this masterpiece.
Purchasing tickets for Saint Chapelle
You could simply visit Saint Chapelle on your own, or you could spice things up by participating in a guided tour!
Here's a list of tours that include Saint Chapelle available on HeadOut.com
Either way, you're sure to be awe struck by the sheer beauty of the structure and its interior.
It might be worth noting that this and many other Parisian museums and landmarks can be visited as part of the Paris Seine Pass. If you're planning on visiting several places a pass can land you a bargain compared to purchasing all tickets separately. But be sure to decide when to visit what in time! A pass is no guarantee that you'll get access to whatever venue you please as occupancy limits continue to apply.
Ongoing Exhibitions
There are currently no ongoing exhibitions
See all ongoing local exhibitions.
Tickets for Sainte Chapelle
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