France: The Sainte-Chapelle restored to its former splendor
After many years of restorations, the Sainte Chapelle has been restored to its former radiance. Seven stained glass windows on the northern flank of this jewel, as well as the masonry around and above them, the archangel and the great western rose window were all restored between 2008 and 2015. A shining masterpiece of Gothic architecture, this religious monument was built between 1242 and 1248 by St. Louis to hold the relics of the Passion: fragments of the Holy Cross, the nails from the Passion and the Crown of Thorns. The two-story church was consecrated on April 26, 1248.
Situated in the heart of Paris on the Ile de la Cité, the Sainte Chapelle, which can be counted among the highest cathedrals, is adorned with over 750 square meters of 13th century stained glass, presenting a unique ensemble of 1,113 scenes from the Old Testament. This giant reliquary that Louis IX had built in the center of his Parisian palace communicates directly with the royal lodgings through a covered gallery. It soars above the Palace, and all through the Middle Ages and even after, it was the city's highest building, and the traveler sighted it right after Notre Dame, spotting from afar the cathedral's towers and the Sainte-Chapelle's spire.
Sainte Chapelle, 8 boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris. Open every day. From March 1 to October 31: 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. From November 1 to February 28: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Last entry 30 minutes before closing. Information at 01 53 40 60 80.
(Sources: monumentsnationaux/museenational – DICI no.320 dated Sept. 11, 2015)
