La Sainte Chapelle is a jewel of the Gothic style, a church built as a great reliquary that can be visited in the Ile de la Cité.
Consecrated in 1248, it is considered one of the most important architectural masterpieces in the world.
Tickets to the Sainte Chapelle
Self-guided tour of Sainte-Chapelle. You will receive a ticket that will allow you to skip the lines and a booklet for the self-guided tour.
Its construction began in 1230 by order of King Louis IX to house his religious treasures, among which were the Crown of Thorns of Christ and a portion of the Cross , which he acquired from the Emperor of Constantinople and Byzantium, respectively.
Today, these pieces are among the treasures kept by the Notre Dame Cathedral, since during the French Revolution the Sainte Chapelle was attacked and almost destroyed.
Also, it suffered two fires in 1630 and 1776, and then the stained glass windows of the lower chapel were devastated by a flood of the Seine in 1690.
What to see in the Sainte Chapelle
The church displays an exquisite example of 13th century ornamental stained glass windows and finely crafted sculptures.
It is located next to La Conciergerie and although it is not known for sure who was the architect responsible for this marvel, it is believed that it is due to Pierre de Montreuil, architect of Notre Dame and the Abbey and Basilica of Saint Denis.
In addition to having been the home of the relics of the Passion of Christ , it is a royal building made up of two superimposed chapels, of which the lower one, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and looking like a crypt, was intended for courtiers, and the Upper, which is accessed by means of a spiral staircase and delicately decorated, was where the royal family prayed.
Its main feature and part of the reason for its fame are the stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Bible ; the light that penetrates through them gives the room a splendorous and magical appearance.
Various sacred music concerts are held throughout the year inside. Highly recommended.
You can also visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart or Sacre Coeur in the neighborhood of Paris known as Montmartre.
Tip: The Sainte-Chapelle is FREE with the Paris Pass
Prices
- Normal ticket €11.50. Buy here.
- Combined ticket: Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie €18.50. Buy here.
- Free for children under 18 years of age.
- You can enter for free if you have the Paris Pass tourist card.
Schedules
From March to October 9:30 am-1:00 pm and 2:00 pm-6:00 pm / From November to February 9:00 am-1:00 pm and 2:00 pm-5:00 pm / Wednesdays between May 15 and September 15 until 9:00 pm
Address
Boulevard du Palais 8, Ile de la Cite
How to get
Metro line 4, Cité station / Buses: 21, 27, 38, 85 and 96
