Paris,
Thursday 16 May 2013 -
23:44
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Sainte-Chapelle - Holy Chapel
A reliquary of particular importance.
Built in the second half of the 13th century under Louis IX, the Sainte-Chapelle is in fact a reliquary. It was in 1239 that the soon-to-be-sainted Louis purchased the Crown of Thorns from the Emperor of Constantinople. This sparked an initiative to raise an actual reliquary, a monumental construction to honour the artefact.
The Sainte-Chapelle was built in the centre of the royal palace on the Ile de la Cité; construction was complete by 1248. Made up of two chapels one on top of the other, this original design became an inspiration for many architects. The Palatine Chapel, on the top floor, has a wonderful set of stained glass with magnificent iconography. Over 15 metres in height, it is like being inside a cage of coloured glass.
Getting there:
Metro stop: Cité
Leisure activities
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