Sainte-Chapelle

The Sainte Chapelle is a jewel of Gothic style, a church built as a great reliquary that can be visited in the Île de la Cité. 

Consecrated in 1248, it is considered one of the most important masterpieces of architecture in the entire world.

Its construction began in 1230 on the orders of King Louis IX to house his religious treasures, among which were the Corona de Espinas de Cristo y una porción de la Cruz, which he acquired from the Emperor of Constantinople and Byzantium, respectively.

Today, these pieces are among the treasures kept at the Notre-Dame Cathedral, as during the French Revolution Sainte-Chapelle was attacked and nearly destroyed.

It also suffered two fires in 1630 and 1776, and later the stained glass windows of the lower chapel were devastated by a flood of the Seine in 1690.

What to See at Sainte-Chapelle

The church showcases an exquisite example of 13th-century ornamental stained glass windows and finely crafted sculptures.

It is located next to The Conciergerie and although it is not known with certainty who the architect responsible for this marvel was, it is believed to have been Pierre de Montreuil, creator of Notre-Dame and the Abbey and Basilica of Saint-Denis.

In addition to having been the hogar de las reliquias de la Pasión de Cristo, it is a royal building made up of two superimposed chapels, of which the lower one, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and with the appearance of a crypt, was intended for courtiers, while the upper one, reached by 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 vidrieras de colores que representan escenas de la Biblia; the light that filters through them gives the space a magnificent and magical quality.

Several sacred music concerts are held throughout the year inside. Highly recommended.

You can also visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart or Sacré-Cœur in the neighborhood of Paris known as Montmartre.

Useful Information about Sainte-Chapelle

Here you will find all the information you need, with up-to-date opening hours and prices, to make the most of your visit without any hassles.

Prices

• Standard ticket €13. On sale at the venue's ticket offices.
• Combined ticket: Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie 20€ Buy here.
• Free for visitors under 18
• You can get free entry with the Paris Pass

Opening Hours

• March to October 9:30 am–1:00 pm and 2:00 pm–6:00 pm
• 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

• 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, France

Getting There

• Metro line 4, Cité station
• Buses: 21, 27, 38, 85 and 96