Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle is a 13th-century royal chapel on the Île de la Cité in Paris, commissioned by King Louis IX to house important Christian relics. It is celebrated for its extraordinary medieval stained-glass windows and Gothic architecture.

The building comprises an ornate upper chapel with walls largely filled by tall stained-glass panels and a lower chapel beneath that served more public devotional functions. The upper chapel’s glass illustrates biblical narratives across numerous panels and is the chapel’s principal attraction.

Built in the mid-13th century and consecrated in 1248, the chapel exemplifies the Rayonnant phase of Gothic architecture and was part of the royal palace complex at the Île de la Cité. It has undergone restoration work in the 19th century and conservation efforts since.

Sainte-Chapelle stands within the medieval Île de la Cité in central Paris, adjacent to the former royal palace site (now the Palais de Justice) and a short walk from Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Seine riverbanks.

• Founding date: Commissioned by King Louis IX and consecrated in 1248, the chapel was built to house relics of the Passion and is a landmark of Rayonnant Gothic architecture.

What to See #

• Upper Chapel: The upper chapel contains the famous 13th-century stained-glass windows that fill the wall surfaces and are arranged in tall lancet panels depicting biblical scenes.
• Lower Chapel: The lower chapel, simpler in decoration, originally served as a more public worship space and contains medieval tracery and stonework.