Paris: La Sainte Chapelle (The Holy Chapel)
About Saint Chapelle:
This magnificent structure was finished around 1248, and was built by King Louis IX to house two precious items he had purchased from Emperor Baldwin II of Constantinople: a relic of the True Cross and Christ’s Crown of thorns.
It is in the heart of Paris on the Isle de la Cite and is one of the city’s most beautiful churches. The chapel was conveniently located next to the King’s palace, so that he could easily pass between the two.
The Church was ransacked during the French revolution, when the relics were taken away and many artifacts stolen or destroyed. Most, though not all, of the windows are original due to the fact that many files were placed against the the stained glass windows that left them largely intact, although certainly not on purpose.
The relics are no longer in Saint Chapelle, rather, they are kept in Notre Dame Cathedral.
Directions to Saint Chapelle:
As mentioned, it is right in the heart of the city on the Isle de la Cite. We recommend “Little Black Book of Paris” and “Streetwise Maps” to help you find your way.
Admission is usually free, although there is a charge for the audio tour.
Click here for the official tourism site for Saint Chapelle.
Saint Chapelle is also the venue for many musical performances such as the The Four Seasons.
