SAINTE-CHAPELLE
From the outside it is possible to entirely overlook the relatively modest chapel of Sainte-chapelle. But once you step inside you will find yourself immersed in one of the wonders of Gothic design. Sainte-chapelle is an example of the Rayonnant style of building that prioritised harmony and light inside a space, and its radiant stained glass fills the interior of the building with light.
Construction of what was once the royal chapel of a palace in Paris began in 1238. Sainte-chapelle was built for King Louis IX, who was known for his piety, and after his death he was canonised as St Louis. One of his most spectacular acts of Christian devotion was buying a relic that supposedly contained the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus at the crucifixion for a staggering 100,000 Livres.
This and other religious relics were housed inside Sainte-chapelle.
Today visitors can still marvel at the stained glass windows of the chapel. Each of the 15 windows stands 15 metres tall, and together they produce a flood of blue and red light that fills the sacred space. The windows retell the whole story of the Bible, from Genesis to the Resurrection, in pictorial form. Saintechapelle is an elegant riposte to the notion that medieval world was a gloomy and grim place.
Open daily from 9:00 to 19:00 Tickets: €10 PARIS, FRANCE