This gothic architectural marvel is located in the Île de la Cité, in the middle of the Seine River, within the older part of Paris. It belongs to what used to be the Palais de la Cité, the residence of the French kings during the X through the XIV century.
In 1241, King Louis IX of France – Saint Louis – acquired the crown of thorns, part of the cross, the iron from the Holy Lance, the sponge and other relics related to Jesus’ martyrdom from King Baldwin II, the last Latin emperor of Constantinople. When he brought these treasures to Paris, Louis IX commissioned the architect Pierre de Montreuil to design an exceptional place in which to keep them. The chapel, which was consecrated in 1248, has almost no walls, and instead has enormous stained-glass windows that let in the most amazing light.
The Sainte Chapelle consists of two levels, as was customary in medieval chapels. The lower part supported the weight of the entire construction and it was the area to which everyone had access. The top part, with the stained-glass windows, was destined to safeguarding the relics and only the king and his court had access to it.
If you decide to visit the chapel, make sure you get there early in the morning, before the rest of the visitors arrive, so that you can stand in the middle of the chapel and appreciate the incredible beauty of the stained glass lit by the morning sun. It is a totally amazing experience!
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