Sainte Chapelle
Sainte Chapelle is considered to be one of the greatest achievements of the Rayonnant period in Gothic architecture
Sainte Chapelle, The Holy Chapel, is the only building that remains of the Capetian royal palace. The Sainte Chapelle was built to house the Passion Relics of King Louis IX. The relics were carried by the king himself, barefoot and dressed as a pilgrim, for the last part of their journey from Venice. These relics included the Crown of Thorns that was placed on Christ's head at his crucifixion.
The Sainte Chapelle is considered to be one of the greatest achievements of the Rayonnant period in Gothic architecture. It is designed to appear weightless and elegant. Visitors entering from the courtyard are greeted by the impressive sight of the grand ceremonial staircase and the eastern wing of Sainte Chapelle. A truly magnificent sight indeed. The name of the actual designer is up for debate. For many years it was considered to be the work of Pierre de Montreuil. This has since been revised and it is now debated whether it is the work of Jean de Chelles, Thomas de Cormont or an unidentified master mason from Amiens.
If this is not enough of an attraction, you will also be able to see one of the largest and most extensive collections of stained glass from the 13th century that is still in its original position. There are fifteen massive stained glass windows that fill the nave and apse and a rose window on the western wall. The glass depicts various scenes from both the New and Old Testaments of the Bible. There is also a depiction of how the Passion relics came to be in the Sainte Chapelle and the various miracles that they were involved in.
The Sainte Chapelle was damaged a number of times and has been lovingly restored an equal number of times. It is likely that this magnificent building will stand for many years to come. It is an ideal tourist attraction for those who love magnificent Gothic architecture as well as for those who marvel at stained glass or would just like to see the home of one of the most extensive Christian relic collections in history.
Nearby attractions: Notre Dame Cathedral and The Latin Quarter
Facts For Your Visit
Fee:Sainte Chapelle Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Address: 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, France
Phone: 01 53 40 60 80
Official Website: Sainte Chapelle
Sainte Chapelle Reviews
Rated out of 5
Must see cathedral. Breathtaking stained glass windows. Go on a sunny day for the best experience. We purchased our tickets directly from the official website a week before for timed entry. We arrived 15 minutes before our entry time and waited in our time's line. We entered exactly at our asssigned time.
Rebecca Nielsen - in the last week
Since most areas are still under repair, I don't think there is a need to pay to go in and visit. So I only took photos outside. You can feel the majestic and great beauty from the outside.
June Li - a week ago
Probably one of the most beautiful place to visit in Paris. Walking up the stairs and then getting into the Chapel is just breathtaking. The colours of the windows are beautiful and relates the story from Genesis to the Apocalypse. With the Paris pass, you get free entry but you will have to pay a fee to get the audio guide. We were the last entry which meant that we got to have the chapel for ourselves as they were closing it down.
Amanda - 3 months ago
Very inspiring experience overall. A hush fell over most people naturally as they ambled around the beautiful interior. Note:If you go in the colder months, don't expect warmth as they do not heat the inside
Joe Serencsics - a week ago
Wow. Just stunning. Absolutely worth seeing. It would be a wonderful experience to see and hear a performance here too. Definitely purchase ticket in advance, and get there 10-15mins before your entrance time. Queuing system is clear if you read the well indicated signs. It’s simple and very well done. Amazed by the number of people trying to take food and drink into a beautiful building. Thankfully there is a tight security system with body scanner.
Sean Elder - 2 weeks ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M4 | Saint-Michel | 4 minutes |
| M1, 7, 11, or 14 | Châtelet | 6 minutes |
| RER B or C | Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame | 3 minutes |
How to get to Sainte Chapelle by Metro / RER
By Metro: From Metro Line 4 exit at Saint-Michel Station and cross the road to your right and walk north straight across the Saint-Michel Bridge and continue straight ahead to the entrance your left. From Metro Line 1, 7, 11, or 14 exit at Châtelet Station and follow Rue Saint-Denis south crossing the bridge over the River Seine. Keep walking south on Blvd du Palais to the entrance on your right a just little south of the Palace of Justice.
By RER: Take RER B or C to Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame Station; walk north across the Saint-Michel Bridge continuing to the entrance on your left.
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Accommodations near Sainte Chapelle:
Photo Gallery
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Sainte Chapelle boasts some of the most beautiful stained glass in the world cc licensed photo by Eric Borda -
Photo Credit: Jose Losada Foto - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jose Losada Foto - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: szeke - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sjaak Kempe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Bradley N. Weber - cc license via Flickr
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