Shimmering like a radiant jewel box, Sainte-Chapelle is often overlooked by visitors to Paris, who instead opt to tour Notre Dame Cathedral. I’d long read how Sainte-Chapelle is a must-see and favorite among shutterbugs, yet it took me several visits to the City of Light to see this Gothic masterpiece.
Incredibly, the chapel’s 13th-century stained glass has largely survived, despite extensive damage inflicted during the French Revolution. The chapel was commissioned by King Louis IX of France, who also is the namesake for St. Louis, Missouri.
Our summer visit coincided with an extensive restoration project, which concealed some of the stunning panels, nevertheless we savored the chance to take in the opulent details.
Where in the World?
Planning Pointers:
- Sainte-Chapelle is located next to the Justice Department, so expect longer lines and a more extensive security check. We didn’t know this latter detail in advance, so in order to pass security we had to hand over a pocketknife that we’ve been picnicking with since our travels in Vietnam.
- Consult the official website for opening hours.
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Filed under: Travelogues Tagged: architecture, Europe, France, Paris, Sainte-Chapelle, stained glass, travel
