Sainte-Chapelle
A fine example of High Gothic
architecture, the Sainte-Chapelle is a tiny, exquisite chapel situated on
the Île de la Cité, east of the Pont Neuf. Originally it was part of the
old royal palace, which was used by French kings until 1358, when they
moved into the Louvre for safety. It is the only part of the palace that
remains, but its graceful 74-meters (243-feets) spire soars above the
massive facade of the neighboring Palais de Justice, which might
otherwise render it almost invisible.
The chapel was built by Louis IX in 1248, in order to house the Crown of
Thorns and pieces of the True Cross, which he had bought from the Emperor
of Constantinople for an enormous amount of money – more than it cost to
build the Sainte-Chapelle. Unlikely though it is that the relics are
genuine, they are now housed at Notre-Dame, and are put on public display
each Good Friday.
The chapel is built on two levels, the lower level was for the palace
servants, whilst the courtiers and royalty used the upper level, which is
reached by a spiral staircase. This tipper chapel is one of the finest
examples of High Gothic architecture in existence, and it is renowned for
the dazzling stained glass windows that make up virtually all of the
walls. The windows tell the story of the Bible from Genesis to the
Apocalypse. They are supported by clusters of delicate columns, whose
fragile appearance belies their great strength. When the sun streams
through the gorgeous red and blue glass you see precisely why the
Sainte-Chapelle is described as a 'jewel box'.
The Sainte-Chapelle, also
known as a jewel box, is open daily and entry is free. Arrive in
summertime and you could enjoy the concerts in the chapel. To get there,
take the Metro to Cite, St-Michel or Chatelet.
