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Sainte Chapelle History
One of Sainte Chapelle's 15 stained glass windows tells the narrative of King Louis IX's great collection of priceless holy relics. According to Sainte Chapelle history, King Louis IX purchased the Relics of the Passion from Constantinople's King Baudouin II to demonstrate his religious and political supremacy. Some relics that King Louis IX bought from him include the Crown of Thorns, a fragment of the True Cross, and other artefacts related to the Virgin Mary and the Saints.
The Holy Relics were initially placed in the "Grand-Chasse" of the Sainte Chapelle Paris. However, during the French Revolution, the preservation of relics and other sacred symbols associated with the monarchy was banned. As a result, the Crown of Thorns and all other relics were turned over to the Archbishop of Paris in 1804. They were then kept in the Notre-Dame treasury in Paris until the devastating fire in 2019. Following the tragedy, all antiquities housed within Notre Dame were relocated to the Louvre Museum for protection.
Construction of Sainte Chapelle
King Louis IX commissioned the magnificent Sainte Chapelle Paris in 1238 to house his sacred relics. The construction of this Gothic-style chapel is mostly credited to French architect Pierre de Montreuil. However, there is no documented evidence to back up this belief.
Regarding its structure, Sainte Chapelle is an architectural marvel featuring stone walls on the exterior and vibrant stained glass windows inside. It contains two floors and 15 stained glass windows that are 50 feet tall and portray 1,113 biblical stories. The rose window, which was constructed in the 15th century, is another famous element of Sainte Chapelle. It has more than 80 petals and is notable for its artistic appeal. Sainte Chapelle was completed in 1248 and has since undergone various restorations.
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Architecture of Sainte Chapelle
The steeple of Sainte Chapelle Paris is a distinct element of the iconic Gothic monument. It rises at a height of 108 feet and has been constructed four times in Sainte Chapelle history. The first steeple was built in the 13th century but was replaced in 1460. The new steeple was destroyed in 1630 and yet again in 1793 during the French revolution. The present steeple was built in the 1850s and is made entirely of cedar wood. It features beautiful wood engravings of angels and is a sight to behold.
The western facade of Sainte Chapelle Paris includes a two-story porch with a central bag and two narrow central bays on the sides. The famous rose window that was added to the chapel in the 15th century adorns the upper chapel on the western front of the monument. It has 82 petals that glow wonderfully as light passes through them. The portal of both floors features beautiful carvings. The spires of the towers are likewise embellished with royal fleur-de-lys beneath a carved crown of thorns.
The Lower Chapel of Sainte Chapelle Paris is barely 21 feet tall, but it is a sight to behold due to its beautifully arched ceilings supported by gilded flying buttresses. In addition to its elegant ceiling, you must also look at the impressive statue of King Louis IX and the beautiful embellishments on the columns. Historically, this section of Sainte Chapelle was only accessible to troops, servants, and courtiers and was mainly used for offering prayers.
Despite its basic design, the Upper Chapel of Sainte Chapelle Paris is the most spectacular section of the monument. For a long time, the walls of the upper chapel have stunned architects and historians. The upper chapel's walls appear to be entirely made of tinted glass rather than stone or bricks.
Initially, this space was solely reserved for the royal family and their distinguished guests. The sacred relics obtained by King Louis IX were also kept here. While you cannot see the precious relics in the chapel anymore, you can certainly admire its beautiful architecture.
The stained glass windows are unquestionably the highlight of Sainte Chapelle. The iconic 15 stained glass windows of the chapel depict over 1,000 Biblical scenes using only five colours: red, blue, yellow, purple, and green. From Genesis to the life of Jesus Christ, you can practically read the Bible by interpreting the episodes illustrated on the windows.
While 14 of them depict biblical stories, only one narrates how King Louis IX gathered the precious relics and brought them to Paris. The stained glass windows of Sainte Chapelle are not only breathtakingly beautiful but are also the world's largest collection of 13th-century stained glass.
The entire Sainte Chapelle is embellished with stunning sculptures. Although most of them were destroyed in the French Revolution, a French sculptor Adolphe-Victor Geoffroy-Dechaume recreated them between 1855 and 1870.
Some of the most stunning sculptural pieces in the chapel are Christ and the Last Judgement, the creation of Eve from Adam’s Rib, and Noah’s Ark and the Flood. While the upper chapel's walls are adorned with beautiful 13th-century sculptures of the Apostles, the lower chapel houses a magnificent statue of King Louis IX.
Plan Your Visit to Sainte Chapelle
- By Train: Take Metro line 4 and get off at the Cite stop. You may also travel via Metro lines 1 and 14.
- By Bus: Board buses with route numbers 21, 24, 27, 85, or 96 to reach Sainte Chapelle Paris. You may also get on the Batobus which stops near Notre Dame.
- By Car/Bike: If travelling by car or bicycle, simply follow the Seine River's banks till Châtelet or Saint-Michel, then follow the directions to Boulevard du Palais.
- To avoid standing in long queues, visit Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie together. Both monuments are only 100 metres apart and the dual ticket costs only 12.50 Euros per adult.
- Book your entry ticket to Sainte Chapelle Paris in advance online to escape standing in long lines and have more time to tour and learn Sainte Chapelle history.
- Sainte Chapelle remains closed from 1 PM to 2 PM, so plan your day accordingly.
- Sainte Chapelle and Justice Palace share the same entrance and security checkpoint. Hence you can use a single ticket to explore both monuments.
- Visit Sainte Chapelle when there is ample daylight to enjoy the stained glass windows as the chapel does not use artificial lighting.
Location: Boulevard du Palais, 8, on Île de la Cité.
Timings: Between October and March, Sainte Chapelle hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM. From April to September, it remains open from 9 AM to 7 PM.
The best time to visit Sainte Chapelle is during weekdays when there are fewer people. You may also avoid visiting the chapel on Thursday because it is the busiest day of the week. To enjoy the beautiful ambience created by the stained glass windows, visit the chapel either early in the morning or an hour before sunset.
Sainte Chapelle FAQs
Why is the Sainte Chapelle famous?
Sainte Chapelle Paris is renowned for its Gothic-style architecture and stunning stained glass windows. It has even found a place among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and houses the largest collection of 13th-century stained glass in the world.
What happened to the Sainte Chapelle?
After the French Revolution, Sainte Chapelle Paris ceased to operate as a church and is now managed by the French Centre of National Monuments. However, it continues to be an important historical site and is counted among the most beautiful landmarks in Paris.
Why was Sainte Chapelle created?
Sainte Chapelle was commissioned by the French King Louis IX in the 13th century to house his extensive collection of holy relics.
What is the architecture style of Sainte Chapelle?
Sainte Chapelle is regarded as the finest example of Rayonnant-style French Gothic architecture.
What is the best time to visit Sainte Chapelle?
Sainte Chapelle Paris is best-visited either in the early morning hours or an hour before the sunset to enjoy the beautiful ambience created by the stained glass windows.
How much time do you need at Sainte Chapelle?
The entire Sainte Chapelle can be explored in about an hour.
Is there a dress code for Sainte Chapelle?
No, you need not follow any dress code in order to visit Sainte Chapelle.
Can you take pictures in Sainte Chapelle?
Yes, you can click photographs inside Sainte Chapelle. However, flash photography and the use of selfie sticks and tripods are prohibited.
Can you go inside Sainte Chapelle ?
Yes, you can visit all areas of Sainte Chapelle provided you have passed the security check and hold valid entry tickets.
What makes Sainte Chapelle unique?
The most unique aspect of Sainte Chapelle Paris is the stained glass windows which depict 1,113 scenes from the Bible and are the world’s largest collection of 13th-century stained glass.
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