Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle

This lower chapel with its 

medieval Gothic 13th century architecture

is as awe-inspiring as the elegant

chapel above

How many arches can you count

in this intersection of color and design?

Sainte-Chapelle

75001, Paris

 

La Sainte-Chapelle

La Sainte-Chapelle

As you enter through the lower chapel of this Gothic flamboyant church, 

you are struck with the deep, rich colors trimmed with gilt.  

As you climb the narrow staircase to this upper chapel,

 seeing the panorama of stained-glass windows 

you will gasp at the magnificence. 

 I have seen it many times, knowing just what I will see,

 and it still takes my breath away.

bon dimanche

La Sainte-Chapelle

8, boulevard du Palais

75001, Paris

Église Sainte-Chapelle

Église Sainte-Chapelle

Miracle of Light

This Gothic masterpiece built in 1246 is an incredible feat of construction.  The upper chapel seen here surrounds the visitor with soaring stained glass windows of deep, vibrant primary colors.  The ceiling design and structure is unique and recognized the world over.  

The architectural prowess of the 13th century rivals any construction we might see today.  Sainte-Chapelle is essentially a building of glass supported only by the narrow rib-like cages that press the entire weight of the roof  through a system of arches on to a few columns - amazing!

bon dimanche

Église Sainte-Chapelle

4, boulevard du Palais

75001, Paris

La Sainte-Chapelle - la chapelle basse

La Sainte-Chapelle

The Lower Chapel, 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 Île de la Cité 

was built by Louis IX for use as his royal chapel.  

The lower chapel seen here served as parish church 

for all the inhabitants of the king's palace.

bon dimanche

La Sainte-Chapelle

4, boulevard du Palais

75001, Paris

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