Sainte-Chapelle
What the experts agree on
This 13th-century Gothic jewel houses stunning stained-glass windows and sacred relics collected by King Louis IX. Experts consistently praise its ornate architecture and intricate details as breathtaking.
“Devout King Louis IX (St Louis, 1226-70) had a hobby of accumulating holy relics.”
– Time Out
"Built by the obsessively pious Louis IX (1226–70), this Gothic jewel is home to the oldest stained-glass windows in Paris." Full review
"Jewel of Gothic architecture of the XIII century, exceptional."
"The Lower Chapel has a blue, vaulted ceiling dotted with the golden symbol of the French monarchy, the fleurs-de-lis, and contains a few “treasures” (i.e., platter-sized portraits of saints). " Full review
3 Stars
"This jewel of Gothic art was built upon the order of Saint Louis to house the relics of Christ and the Virgin Mary." Full review
"Sainte Chapelle is a true Gothic masterpiece located on Île de la Cité." Full review
"Countless writers have called this tiny chapel a jewel box, yet that hardly suffices." Full review
"A 13th-century marvel of Gothic architecture, this chapel hasn't served as a church since the French Revolution, but its 1,113 stained-glass panels inspire plenty of worshipful awe"
"Photos of Sainte-Chapelle are set to take your breath away, but they hardly do justice to this Gothic chapel on Ile de la Cité. After struggling your way up the narrow spiral staircases..."
"The stained glass windows at nearby Sainte-Chelle are dazzling at this time of year when the sunlight streams in"
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