Sainte Chapelle Upper Chapel Paris
Architecture & Design, Culture, Europe, France, History, Paris, Religion & Spirituality

Sainte-Chapelle: A 13th century treasure

Sometimes the smallest stars shine the brightest. I visited Sainte-Chapelle in Paris in December 2011 and I’ve never been so in awe of anywhere. It is smaller than Notre Dame, but in my opinion, it is so much more beautiful. There isn’t a square inch of the interior that isn’t painted, coloured, carved or adorned with gold leaf. The lower chapel was beautiful, but I was blown away when I walked to the stunning chapel upstairs.

Built in the 13th century by King Louis IX to house his Passion Relics, most notably the Crown of Thorns, it’s also home to the one of the most extensive collections of stained glass windows anywhere in the world. We left a clear, grey winter’s day behind and were showered in shades of lilac and blue. It’s not a small building, but because of it’s relative size to the enormous collection of stained glass windows, it feels like a small space with an unusually high concentration of beauty.

Sainte Chapelle lower chapel Paris Sainte Chapelle lower chapel Paris

Entry is through the Lower Chapel, which is beautiful in its own right. However, nothing compares to the magnificent upper chapel.

Sainte Chapelle stained glass windows Paris Sainte Chapelle stained glass windows Paris Sainte Chapelle Upper Chapel Paris Sainte Chapelle Upper Chapel Paris Sainte Chapelle Upper Chapel Paris Sainte Chapelle Upper Chapel Paris

What’s the most beautiful building you’ve ever seen?

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10 thoughts on “Sainte-Chapelle: A 13th century treasure”

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  5. Genevieve, your photos are stunning – you really captured the beauty of Saint-Chapelle. It’s one of my all-time favorite churches. I still remember the first time I emerged into the upper chapel – it took my breath away. All the best, Terri

    Reply

    1. Hi Terry – I can’t believe I haven’t replied to your comment! I seem to have missed all the comments on this post. My apologies! Thank you very much – a few of them are actually my Dad’s (the ones not watermarked – the best ones!), as I hadn’t mastered taking photos in low light yet. I’ll pass on your lovely feedback to him too.

      Seeing the upper chapel for the first time is definitely an unforgettable moment, I was left speechless too. Happy travels
      Genevieve

      Reply

    1. Hi Mani! I’m so sorry for the very tardy reply, I seemed to have missed the comments on this post. Thanks for your kind words, hope you’re still getting to travel lots 🙂

      Reply

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