Sunday, September 23, 2012

Sainte-Chappelle - la chapelle basse



The Lower Chapel
Sainte-Chappelle, 1242


The windows of the upper chapel are stunning but no more so than the vibrant bold colors of the lower chapel with accents of gold.  This magnificent 13th century Gothic chapel on the Île de la Cité was built by Louis IX for use as his royal chapel.  This lower chapel served as parish church for all the inabitants of the king's palace.


bon dimanche

Sainte-Chappelle
4, boulevard du Palais
75004, Paris

29 comments:

Speedway said...

That is just stunning.

Sylvia K said...

It is stunning indeed, Genie! What gorgeous, fantastic colors! A terrific capture for the day! Hope your weekend is going well, mon amie!

Hugs
Sylvia

Mary said...

Stunning and breathtaking! And blue and gold are the colors royalty? Beautiful photograph, Genie. Just beautiful!

sharon said...

great shot

Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan blogger said...

That is amazingly beautiful! Love the blue and gold colour combination.

megi said...

GREAT !!!!!!!!!!!

salutation
Megi

Joe said...

Beautiful image Genie. I saw an Egyptian sarcophagus in an exhibition once. I think it was Nefertiti's. I seem to remember the interior was painted midnight blue and was covered in gold stars to signify the journey through the night to be reborn again with the rising sun. The paintwork in the ceiling of this church reminds me of this.

Andy said...

Great job in bring out the colours. My eyes had a eye candy feast.

Shell Sherree said...

The cobalt and gold are so regal together ~ it's glorious, Genie!

Forest Dream Weaver said...

These colours are amazing,I like the way you've also caught the blues and reds in the stained glass.
Beautifully composed!

Bon dimanche Genie,
Ruby

Louise said...

I loved Sainte Chappelle, it's so stunning. Lovely picture

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Genie:
Who could not fail to be uplifted whilst looking up into that sea of glorious blue scattered with the golden stars? It must be wonderful to be there in reality and witness that incredibly fine vaulted ceiling and the stunning stained glass. Divine....or nearly!

Virginia said...

I haven't visited this beautiful place since 2008. I must have another look, on a bright sunny day!
V

Birdman said...

Dramatic angle today!

M said...

One of my favorite Paris churches! Exquisite photo! Bon dimanche ma chère amie!

Cezar and Léia said...

Spectacular colours!This chapel is very interesting!
Wonderful image, thanks for sharing!
Have a nice week ahead dear Genie,
hugs
Léia

Vreni said...

I haven´t been to the Sainte Chapelle for a while, but I think it´s really the most beautiful church of Paris.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

J'adore the arches Genie, breathtaking colours, wonderful Sunday image.

Loree said...

Thank you for you comment. I was deeply touched. Saint Chapelle is beautiful. There is so much of Paris that I still have to see.

Harriet said...

I've only visited St. Chapelle once (1999), but I definitely remember the vivid colors. Your photo does a great job of giving a sense of the color and majesty of this space.

It's also on our list for this upcoming trip. But our list is getting very long. We'll see how the energy level goes.

Alexa said...

Beautifully captured, Genie! Just stunning.

orvokki said...

Todella kaunis. Värit ovat ihanat ja tuo kaarevuus on upea.
Pitäisi nähdä luonnossa.
Hyvää viikonloppua.

Randy said...

What a lovely ceiling.

Jack said...

The blue and gold is breathtaking, Genie. I am stunned.

Melissa said...

1242, wow! Are these vivid colors a replication of the original? I wouldn't have thought it would be so bright! Very beautiful!

Kristie said...

What a beautiful chapel! I don't believe I've ever seen one as stunning as this one!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

I had not been here for many years and it was before the current round of restoration was started. With my husband's first trip to Paris this spring, I saw Sainte-Chappelle and many other "tourist" destinations. With a much better camera and a better understanding of Paris, it was an enjoyable experience to see this church and many other locations through his eyes.

I have some favorite churches as you surely know if you have followed me for some time, but there is nothing as richly colored as this low-ceilinged lower chapel. The colors have not been enhanced in my photo. That's what it really looks like.

When you go up the winding stairs to the "stained glass room" in the upper chapel the brilliance of the glass with its similar jewel tones is memorable.

It is worth the visit, and if you have not been in many years, it is worth a second look.

Have a creative and productive week, all.

Bises,
Genie

Lisa Graham said...

Wow is all I have to say. I imagine it's even more WOW in person.

TheChieftess said...

Fabulous shot Genie!!! I love the color in this chapel!!!