DK Travel : Paris : Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle

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This Gothic masterpiece, built by Louis IX (1214– 70) as a shrine for his holy relics of the passion and completed in 1248, is considered the most beautiful church in Paris, not least for its 15 stained-glass windows soaring 15 m (50 ft) to a star-covered vaulted roof. The church was damaged during the Revolution but restored in the mid-19th century.
For more Paris churches See Places of Worship

Top 10 Features

1. Upper Chapel Entrance

1. Upper Chapel Entrance

As you emerge, via a spiral staircase, into this airy space, the effect of light and colour is breathtaking. The 13th-century stained-glass windows, the oldest extant in Paris, separated by stone columns, depict Biblical scenes from Genesis through to the Crucifixion. To “read” the windows, start in the lower left panel and follow each row left to right, from bottom to top.
2. Rose Window

The Flamboyant-style rose window, depicting St John’s vision of the Apocalypse in 86 panels, was restored by Charles VIII in 1485. The green and yellow hues are at their brightest at sunset.
3. Window of Christ’s Passion

3. Window of Christ’s Passion

Located above the apse, this stained-glass depiction of the Crucifixion is the chapel’s most beautiful window.
4. Apostle Statues

Beautifully carved medieval statues of 12 apostles stand on pillars along the walls. Badly damaged in the Revolution, most have been restored: the bearded Apostle, fifth on the left, is the only original statue.
5. Window of the Relics

5. Window of the Relics

Another striking window, this tells the story of St Helena and the True Cross and of St Louis bringing his many relics to Sainte-Chapelle.
6. The Spire

The open lattice-work and pencil-thin shape give the 75-m (245-ft) flèche (spire) a delicate appearance. Three earlier church spires burned down – this one was erected in 1853.
7. Main Portal

Like the Upper Chapel, the main portal has two tiers. Its pinnacles are decorated with a crown of thorns as a symbol of the relics within.
8. St Louis’ Oratory

In the late 14th century Louis XI added an oratory where he could attend Mass unobserved, watching through a small grille in the door. The chapel originally adjoined the Conciergerie, the former royal palace on the Ile de la Cité (see Ile de la Cité and Ile St-Louis).
9. Seats of the Royal Family

During Mass, the royal family sat in niches located in the fourth bays on both sides of the chapel, away from the congregation.
10. Evening Concerts

Sainte-Chapelle has excellent acoustics. From March to November classical concerts are held here several evenings a week.

Practical Information

For a little 1920s-style elegance, stop for coffee at the Brasserie des Deux Palais on the corner of Boulevard du Palais and rue de Lutèce. A pair of binoculars comes in handy if you want to see the uppermost panels. 4 blvd du Palais, 75001 01 53 40 60 80 Open Apr–Sep: 9:30am–6pm; Oct–Mar: 10am–5pm; closed 1 Jan, 1 May, 1 Nov, 25 Dec Admission €6.50 (free 1st Sun of month Nov–Mar); €9.50 joint adm to Conciergerie Restricted disabled access