Paris Weekend Break

Sainte Chapelle

The Sainte Chapelle is a small, but beautiful little church or chapel in Paris, and it is situated on an island in the middle of the city. Although not as well known as many of the better known Parisian landmarks, it is worthy of inclusion in any weekend break itinerary to Paris.

The Sainte Chapelle building has two levels and was originally consecrated on 26 April 1248 when the chapel was completed (or so it is assumed.)

The chapel was built during the reign of Louis IX between 1242 and 1248 to house a collection of holy relics that the king had bought from the then bankrupt Byzantium Empire. An interesting point is that the relics themselves cost more than the building of the Sainte Chapelle in which they were to be housed.

No designer or architect has ever been credited with the design and construction of the chapel, but a notable designer of the period, Pierre de Montreuil, is considered to be the man behind the buildings physical existence. He is also known for the rebuilding of the apse at the Royal Abbey of Saint-Denis and the facade at Notre-Dame Cathedral, also close by in Paris.

The Sainte Chapelle has been a French national historic monument since 1862 and has seen a number of near disasters during its lifetime. The Chapelle has been subjected to a number of fires (in 1630 and later in 1777) and also a significant flood.

Contents of the Sainte Chapelle

The Sainte Chapelle was built to house a number of precious religious relics and amongst these are Christ's crown of thorns, the Image of Edessa and some thirty further items of Christian significance and value.

The Sainte Chapelle actually consists of two chapels, the first being the dark lower chapel with a star-painted ceiling, and the second, an upper and more prestigious chapel which is reached from a spiral staircase and which was reserved for the nobility.

The chapel's famous-glass windows represent a major example of the Radiant Gothic period.

The chapel's stained glass windows

The most visually appealing features of the chapel are its amazing stained glass windows housed between delicate narrow stone mullions. The famous rose window was added to the upper chapel in the 15th century, but other windows depict, in great detail, the baptism along with many other important Christian events.

The best areas of stained glass surround the entire upper floor and here the vertical stone columns are a feat of Gothic ingenuity and mastery creating an atmosphere of refracted light of every colour. In total there are some six and a half thousand square feet of stained glass windows and, when combined with the masonry and ambience of the building, they become one of the must see sights of any Paris weekend break.

A replica of the Sainte Chapelle can be found in Chicago, Illinois.

Location of the chapel

The Sainte Chapelle is close to the famous Paris landmark of Paris Notre-Dame cathedral and Sainte Chapelle is actually inside a group of federal court buildings.