Sainte Chapelle
by Wendy VanHatten
When in Paris, be sure to take time to visit Sainte-Chapelle. The upper chapel is famous for its 1,113 stained glass panels covering almost the entire area.
Some more unique features include 15 huge windows, each about 50 feet tall. They depict over 1,000 Bible scenes from both the new and old testaments. Given this dates from the 13th century, it’s hard to believe that almost two thirds of the glass is original.
The building is a masterpiece of the Rayonnant period, using slender columns and concealed metal supports. The stone walls almost disappear as the glass takes over.
The chapel is on two different levels. The lower chapel was built for the palace staff and commoners. This intimate space has a blue vaulted ceiling.
The upper chapel was reserved exclusively for the king and his court. It housed the holy relics and has the famous floor to ceiling stained glass. The ceiling is painted a deep blue and adorned with golden starts, representing the heavens.
If You Go: It is located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, tucked within the Palais de Justice complex.
