a closer look at the sainte-chapelle

Built under Saint Louis, the Sainte-Chapelle gives the impression of entering the Heavenly Jerusalem, bathed in light and colour. Need an update on this jewel? Read the article tracing its history!

The stained glass windows depict episodes from the Bible. They can be read in boustrophedon   ! In the lower part of the lancets  , they illustrate the story of the discovery of the relics by Saint Helen in Jerusalem, through to their arrival in the kingdom of France.

The western rose illustrates the prophetic book of Saint John: the Apocalypse, symbolically represented opposite the Passion of Christ in the axial stained glass window in the choir. Read more about this superb stained glass window.

The 100 capitals decorated with foliage on the side walls are all different.

Let's take a look at the sculpted decorations: the statue of Saint Peter is original, as are the other 5 statues of apostles. The saint carries the keys to paradise. The statues of the 12 apostles are placed in the nave at the foot of the cross vaults. Find out more about the sculpted decorations

The large shrine contains the 22 relics of the Passion of Christ, including the fragment of the True Cross and the Crown of Thorns, which was once displayed on the rostrum but was melted down during the Revolution.

Want to find out more? Read the article on Radiant Gothic, typical of the 13th century!