Built in the 13th century by King Louis IX, the future St Louis, the Holy Chapel (Sainte-Chapelle) is a true masterpiece of radiant Gothic architecture that delights visitors from all over the world. Located at the heart of the Island of the City (Ile de la Cité) in Paris' 1st arrondissement, not far from the Cité Metro stop, the sanctuary that was originally intended to house the relics of the Passion of Christ (which are now kept in the treasury of Notre-Dame) boasts some real architectural and artistic gems.
The Holy Chapel has the particularity of being made up of two superimposed parts. Visitors start from the lower chapel dedicated to the Virgin, with its old fresco of the Annunciation, and its columns adorned with fleurs-de-lis and Castile towers in tribute to Louis IX's mother, Blanche of Castile.
The highlight of the visit is a few steps higher up, in the famous upper chapel. Once inside, it's hard to know where to look as there are so many wonderful sights! The 15 sumptuous glass windows from the 13th century with 1,113 scenes telling the story of Humanity from Genesis to the resurrection of Christ, statues of apostles, capitals carved with plant motifs, the rostrum of relics and the western rose window depicting the Apocalypse of St John offer plenty to amaze visitors! And when the sun comes out, the already sublime stained glass windows take on even more dazzling colours…
