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 – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 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
It's really a beautiful place! It is difficult not to be inspired by the painstaking attention to detail to create this cathedral! Truly master craftsman. Awe, inspiring! If tethered is a line make.sure you check the signs for the correct line. One if your tour starts on the hour one line on the half hour and one to purchase your tickets. Also, if the official site does not have tickets, check third-party vendors sites.
Joseph Elmer - a month ago
This is a must see if visiting Paris. What is very unassuming from the outside, is an amazing world of stain glass on the inside. The large open cathedral tells the entire Bible in stain glass. It was cereal to stand in the middle of the room and see such intricate and detailed stain glass work completely surrounding you. Clearly a hidden gem of Paris. Book ahead to ensure there is availability.
Timothy Carmon - a month ago
Made by the kings, for the kings, this beautiful piece of art is vibrant and colourful from all the stained glass windows adorning it.. it's not a big monument but you'll be amazed by the intricacy of the paintings on windows. The ticket seems a bit too much considering that it takes hardly 30 mins to visit the place, but the money is out to good use in maintaining the place.
Suparna Soman - a month ago
It's definitely awesome and worth the visit! Just be prepared for a long wait. That is if you have tickets. I'm not sure how long it would be without a ticket. We had tickets for 11:30, got there about 10 minutes prior to that but got in after 12. The major delay is a security check. It's capacity is one person at a time, and it's not just a metal gate, it's like new detectors at the airport where you have to stand and wait while it scans you. Since the line is so far from the entrance it was not clear of the purpose of 3 lines. The first line is for people with no tickets, the second is for those whose can already enter, and the third is for those who got early or have to wait because people whose time was 30 minutes before didn't manage to get in yet. Once we got there,it was not too crowded at all, so expediting security, could certainly make wait much shorter.
Sergey Shepelov - in the last week
Visit during the day time. It's beautiful. Those colored glass panels are breathtaking. Book in advance. With museum pass it's free. But book a,slot. Also, lines are long so keep time in your hands
Sourav Gangopadhyay - 4 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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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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