In the heart of Ile de la Cite, lies a jewel of Gothic architecture: the Sainte Chapelle. Notre Dame attracts crowds and is clearly visible, but this holy chapel has a secret address and tells a little-known story. Built in the thirteenth century by King Louis IX (known as Saint Louis), this chapel was an enormous reliquary that housed the relics of the Passion and its most precious treasure, “crown of thorns” bought from the emperor of Constantinople. With this gesture, Saint Louis allowed Paris to become a capital and a city that rivaled the Roman-Germanic Empire. Since the French Revolution, the chapel has stopped housing the relics that are preserved today at Notre Dame. However the chapel remains an unusual building. It consists of two superimposed chapels. The lower chapel, parish palate is marked by the seal of the King with alternating columns and lilies of France on an azure background and the towers of Castile in homage to Blanche of Castile, his mother. The upper chapel, made of true green glass, light and colorful, was the place of exhibition of relics. In this unique location flickering of light through the windows fills the space. They show the history of the Bible, but in many other scenes appears the king to deliver policy messages.
Paris S’il Vous Plait! urges you to follow guide that will show you the history and stories of the cathedral of light.
© karen Gallo
