Église Sainte-Chapelle

Église Sainte-Chapelle

The devout King Louis IX founded the Gothic Sainte-Chapelle 
as a chapel for the royal palace and to house sacred relics.  
It is reported that he spent three times 
the cost of the chapel's construction 
for the "Crown of Thorns."


Built in 1246, it also provided easy underground access 
to the royal palace.  Almost all of the precious relics 
were lost or destroyed during the French Revolution.



bon dimanche

Sainte-Chapelle
4, boulevard du Palais
75001, Paris

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

Église Saint-Louis-en-l'Île

The seventeenth century church on the island of Saint Louis was dedicated to Saint-Louis, Louis IX, King of France.  The ornate Baroque style interior is in stark contrast to the somber exterior.

Although one may imagine this organ as a centuries-old masterpiece, it has a more recent history.  It was made by Aubertin in 2004 (51 stops, 69 ranks) and blends seamlessly with the surrounding periods.  As with many Paris churches there are multiple organs, and I will show you the chancel organ on another Sunday post.

So, before you stop in Berthillon for an ice cream, wander east on Rue St. Louis to see this magnificent church.  You will notice the high, large clock which stands out as you look down the street.

bon dimanche

Église Saint-Louis-en-l'Île

19 bis, rue St Louis en l'Île

75004 Paris

 

Sacré Coeur -- King Saint Louis IX, a different view

If you have been to Sacré Coeur en juin then you have an understanding of the crowds of people in/around this beautiful basilica. In reviewing my photos after the trip I realized that I opted to take the odd angles and small details rather than capture the rapping street dancers and the replica key chain hawkers. I did manage to capture some interesting people on the steps which I will share at a later time.

The above photo is one of two equestrian bronzes flanking the triple-arched portico. They represent France's national saints, Joan of Arc and King Saint Louis IX, both created by H. Lefebvre. King Louis IX is the only King of France who was canonized, and there have been many places named after this 13th century French king. St. Louis, MO in the United States is the most familiar to me but others include San Luis Potiso, Mexico, and Sao Luis do Maranhao, Brazil.

The detail in the bronze of King Saint Louis IX caught my attention with the spurs, the soft-soled shoes, the gentle drape of his leather cloak, and the filigree of the bridle. The perfect shade of bronze green is just as I snapped it and you may be able to see the bleeding of color onto the light-colored travertine stone base.

(Oh, and that is not a fly on my camera lens but an airplane!)