Sainte-Chapelle (Holy Chapel), Paris (must see)
The crown jewel of Gothic architecture in Paris, the Holy Chapel, is located in close proximity to the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Aged almost 800 years, the remarkable structure is renowned for its stained glass and most notably the 15th-century rose windows in the upper portion, widely regarded as the finest of their kind in the world. These and other things render this church outstanding, even among the most extraordinary medieval monuments of Paris.
Originally commissioned by King Louis IX, an exceptional figure who led the 7th and 8th Crusades to the Holy Land and returned with a multitude of treasures, including the Crown of Thorns purportedly worn by Jesus himself, the Holy Chapel was initially intended to serve as a depository for this priceless relic. However, it was also designed to function as the palace chapel for the king and the royal family, embodying the intersection of religious and secular power in medieval France.
Over the centuries, Sainte-Chapelle had sustained numerous damages. Frequently beset by floods and fires, it suffered especially during the French Revolution, when its sculptures were intentionally destroyed and furnishings were pillaged. Ultimately, to rectify the damage, extensive renovation work was required in the 19th century, entailing skilled craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. The result of this laborious process is truly commendable, and the chapel we observe today is as much a 19th-century masterpiece as it is a medieval one. Miraculously, roughly two-thirds of the original stained glass has survived. It is particularly striking on sunny days, but even on overcast days, the glass is absolutely fabulous.
Like many other religious edifices of its time, the Sainte-Chapelle symbolized Jerusalem and was intended to invoke a vision of paradise on Earth for the saved at the Last Judgment. In keeping with this vision, a cedarwood spire was placed atop the building, a technical marvel at the time, which also captured the spiky essence of Gothic design to stunning artistic effect. The chapel is remarkably simple and harmonious in comparison to other cathedrals and churches of its era, and represents medieval Gothic architecture in its purest form. In contrast to its apparent architectural simplicity, on the inside, the chapel boasts rich decoration in the upper portion, with its gilding and coloration creating a dazzling visual display.
Originally commissioned by King Louis IX, an exceptional figure who led the 7th and 8th Crusades to the Holy Land and returned with a multitude of treasures, including the Crown of Thorns purportedly worn by Jesus himself, the Holy Chapel was initially intended to serve as a depository for this priceless relic. However, it was also designed to function as the palace chapel for the king and the royal family, embodying the intersection of religious and secular power in medieval France.
Over the centuries, Sainte-Chapelle had sustained numerous damages. Frequently beset by floods and fires, it suffered especially during the French Revolution, when its sculptures were intentionally destroyed and furnishings were pillaged. Ultimately, to rectify the damage, extensive renovation work was required in the 19th century, entailing skilled craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. The result of this laborious process is truly commendable, and the chapel we observe today is as much a 19th-century masterpiece as it is a medieval one. Miraculously, roughly two-thirds of the original stained glass has survived. It is particularly striking on sunny days, but even on overcast days, the glass is absolutely fabulous.
Like many other religious edifices of its time, the Sainte-Chapelle symbolized Jerusalem and was intended to invoke a vision of paradise on Earth for the saved at the Last Judgment. In keeping with this vision, a cedarwood spire was placed atop the building, a technical marvel at the time, which also captured the spiky essence of Gothic design to stunning artistic effect. The chapel is remarkably simple and harmonious in comparison to other cathedrals and churches of its era, and represents medieval Gothic architecture in its purest form. In contrast to its apparent architectural simplicity, on the inside, the chapel boasts rich decoration in the upper portion, with its gilding and coloration creating a dazzling visual display.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Paris. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Sainte-Chapelle (Holy Chapel) on Map
Sight Name: Sainte-Chapelle (Holy Chapel)
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Paris, France
Create Your Own Walk in Paris
Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Souvenirs Shopping Walk
Being one of the world's premier shopping destinations, the French capital attracts thousands of shopaholics every year. Even those who hate shopping, enjoy doing it here. Renowned for its luxury and sophistication, Paris is a great place for finding unique and elegant souvenirs to cherish. Here are some must-visit places for souvenir shopping in the City of Light.
Lafayette Galleries... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Lafayette Galleries... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Latin Quarter Walking Tour
Paris’ Latin Quarter is situated on the left bank of the Seine and dates back to the Middle Ages. For years, it was known as a bohemian enclave, attracting students, writers and intellectuals. Centered on the Sorbonne University's main university campus, the area was so named a few centuries ago because the students were speaking and learning in Latin. It remains very lively, with a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Paris Introduction Walking Tour II
From the Louvre to the Notre-Dame Cathedral to Place de la Bastille, the evolution of Paris and its history is literally visible on the banks of the river Seine, the linking thread winding its way through the city, as if keeping a watchful eye on its architectural marvels.
This walk is centered around Île de la Cité and Le Marais, which together form the historical core of power in Paris.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
This walk is centered around Île de la Cité and Le Marais, which together form the historical core of power in Paris.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour
This self-guided walk takes you to explore the 6th arrondissement, covering the quarter of St-Germain-des-Prés, the riverside districts and the areas nearby the Luxembourg Garden. It is one of the most expensive districts of Paris, home to posh boutiques, eateries and iconic cafes once favored by philosophers and legendary writers, the likes of Hemingway and Camus. The area is likewise renowned... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The French Revolution Landmarks Walking Tour
The French Revolution had a huge impact on France's history as it gave rise to a radical democratic republic and resulted in quite a bit of violence during the infamous "Reign of Terror". Even though many of Paris’ buildings were damaged in the course of the bloody conflicts, the sites they occupied – which you can find on this self-guided tour – are of a great historical... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Eiffel Tower Walking Tour
The 7th arrondissement of Paris is the most affluent and prestigious residential area in France, home to world-famous Eiffel Tower and the French upper class alongside a number of French national institutions, government offices and diplomatic missions. This historical neighborhood boasts typically Parisian architecture complete with vibrant cafés, restaurants and gourmet shops which draw foodies... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
18 Must-Visit Cafes in Paris, France
Paris is home to thousands of cafes; there is a café on practically every street corner you turn, in every square you stumble across, on every boulevard you stroll along. The age-old Parisian tradition of sitting around at rickety tables and shooting back espressos is a fundamental part of everyday...
15 Places for Tasting Best French Desserts in Paris
If you have a sweet tooth and it wishes to "eat your way" through Paris, this guide will show you how! Featured here are some of the most famous and prominent dessert spots in the French capital, where you can grab something sweet to enjoy. With 20 listed recommendations, you should be...
8 Best Food Markets in Paris for Authentic French Produce
The image of Parisians that you may have in your head as strolling through a colourful market with a basket on their arm, chatting to vendors and picking up fresh produce, is quite accurate. Most Parisians do visit local markets at least once a week to stock up on the freshest fruit, vegetables,...
Paris Souvenirs: 19 Distinctively French Products to Bring Home from Paris
You can hardly have enough money and luggage space to get all the takes your fancy in Paris. Luckily, with a little bit of tasteful advice and experience, you can save yourself some time and effort and pick up just about the right amount of things worth taking home. Listed here are some of the hints...
Top 16 Vegetarian Restaurants in Paris
The French have great respect for the fresh, organic produce yet France isn’t famous for its vegetarian cooking. Hence it’s a good idea for vegetarian visitors to Paris to come prepared in advance. This guide shows you places around the city which serve vegetarian food, complete with the...
10 Unusual Things to Do in Paris, France
If you've visited Paris, you've probably seen the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Versailles. You probably whizzed through some world-class art, ate delicious food in restaurants with English menus, and bought crepes from a street cart. However, Paris has a lot of things to do that...