Eglise Sainte Chapelle

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Eglise Sainte Chapelle

In the heart of Paris, on the Ile de la Cite island, lies the Holy Chapel of Eglise Sainte Chapelle, a medieval Gothic chapel. The church was built sometime after 1239, commissioned by King Louis IX of France to house his Passion relics, among which included Christ’s Crown of Thorns. Sainte Chapelle remains one of the few surviving buildings of the Capetian royal palace and is worth a visit to view one of the most extensive and stunning collections of 13th century stained glass in the world.

The lower chapel, on the entrance floor, originally served as a parish church for the palace inhabitants. Meanwhile, the royal chapel on the 2nd floor houses the majority of the stained glass and is decorated in the ‘Rayonnant’ Gothic architecture style (distinguished by its sense of weightlessness and strong vertical planes).

Fun fact: King Louis IV was later canonized a saint by the Catholic Church, as Saint Louis.

For more museums and sights, check out my Paris Mini Guide. Sainte Chapelle is an easy walk to Notre Dame. Both are free attractions included with the Paris Pass so it’s worth picking one up before you go (also free transportation on the metro, bus, etc).

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6 Comments

  1. March 3, 2014 / 12:12 am

    This is a really beautiful church. I hate the lines/security to get in but it is really amazing. You got wonderful pictures, ours did not turn out half as great as yours!

    • Sher
      Author
      March 3, 2014 / 3:51 pm

      I agree the security was a pain but the line seemed to move decently fast and the stained glass is too gorgeous to miss!
      And thank you!! I love photography so sometimes my aim is more to get great pictures than to eat/see/shop/etc ;)

  2. March 27, 2014 / 6:39 am

    I just loveeee stained glass windows in European churches and you’ve captured them beautifully. So glad to have stumbled across your blog! :]

    • Sher
      Author
      March 27, 2014 / 12:10 pm

      aw thank you! glad you stopped by

  3. Van
    October 20, 2014 / 7:07 pm

    These photos are sooo mesmerizing, I find myself clicking through everything on your blog, sorry for creeping in advance ;) – Van

    • Sher
      Author
      October 20, 2014 / 7:33 pm

      haha hi Van! I love the photos on your blog as well. You’re so lucky your partner is so talented!! :)

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