Built 80 years after the construction of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, the Sainte Chapelle stands as an iconic landmark for Gothic style architecture. Though they both show exquisite representations of the Gothic era, traced back to the 13th Century, what makes Sainte Chappelle unique is without a doubt, its stunning stained glass windows.
King Louis IX put his heart and soul in creating this holy mansion that today invites about 900,000 visitors each year. Despite the fact that the site had to go through multiple extensive renovations, it has managed to preserve its structure and maintain its spiritual aura till date. Find out everything you need to know including its history, architecture, current visiting tips and more before you begin your magical experience.
The Sainte Chappelle’s history can be traced back to the 13th Century when King Louis IX first bought the collection of relics. King Louis IX, who would later go on to become Saint Louis, knew that he needed to build a special space to store this collection. With this came the rise of Sainte Chapelle architecture which goes on to become one of the most spiritual landmarks in the world.
King Louis had collected about 22 holy relics. However, during the French Revolution most of these collections were destroyed by the Revolutionaries who saw the chapel as a symbol of royalty by the divine right. Fortunately, they managed to save some of the holy relics, which is well-preserved in the treasure of Notre Dame Cathedral today. As for the legendary stained-glass windows, they were left untouched.
Sainte Chapelle’s architecture is a classic example of the French Gothic style construction. It stands tall, alongside Notre Dame Cathedral and Chartres Cathedral, as one of the prominent sites for Gothic art. The Royonnant-themed chapel, featuring tall 15-meter high windows, is subdivided by bar tracery, also covered by pinnacles ornamented with crockets and crowns citing the first relic brought in the chapel by King Louis IX. As you enter the building you’ll notice the chapel is located underneath a porch whose tympanum represents the coronation.
The interior of Sainte Chapelle is considered a Gothic masterpiece of divinity, filled with richness and spirituality. It’s exceptional collection of stained glass windows elevates the chapel to a whole new level making it the empire of Chirstendom. Depicting 1,113 biblical narratives spread across 15 windows, this collection of stained-glass windows is one of the oldest and the most well-preserved, extensive works in the world. An experience wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Apostles’ statues, the great shrine, the vaults along with its rose windows installed in the 15th Century, taking you back in time reliving history once again.
The concert of Euromusic Productions at the Sainte-Chapelle runs from 1 August to 31 December, 2020. Information regarding dates, programs, prices and seating are available online on their official website: Euromusic Productions
Timings will be updated as and when available.
It is ideally recommended to make a visit during the early mornings or late evenings to avoid overcrowding at the venue.
All guests must book their tickets online to prevent physical contact on site. Moreover, masks are mandatory and hand sanitizing gel has been made available for guests to use. Social distancing is also recommended and cash payments are not permitted anymore.
Yes, in fact entry is free for children below the age of 18 and for EU nationals between the age groups of 18-25, provided they show their valid photo ID.
Yes, the lower chapel has a small ramp and the upper chapel where the main attraction is located has an elevator that can be used.
Unfortunately, as these tickets are strictly timed and dated, they cannot be cancelled or changed once bought online.
There is no dress code for Sainte Chapell. However, since it is a religious place visitors are expected to dress modestly.