Sainte-Chapelle

News & exhibitions

Updated automatically from the venue’s official sources and the press.

No recent news for this place.

History of the place

Built in the 13th century for Louis IX, Sainte-Chapelle is celebrated for the soaring stained glass of its upper chapel. Nearby Notre-Dame makes it possible to visit two major landmarks of Île de la Cité on foot.

Louis IX commissioned Sainte-Chapelle within the royal palace on Île de la Cité to house relics of the Passion, including the Crown of Thorns. Consecrated in 1248, it expressed both the king’s devotion and the prestige of the Capetian monarchy.

The lower chapel served palace staff, while the upper chapel was reserved for the king and the relics. Its fifteen tall stained-glass windows give exceptional prominence to light and biblical narratives. Restored in the 19th century, the ensemble remains a masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic architecture.

Visiting tips

1. 01

   A bright day brings out the stained-glass colours, without requiring a particular visiting hour.

2. 02

   Allow time for security checks at the Palais de Justice in addition to your visiting slot.

3. 03

   Start with the lower chapel, then study the windows and western rose in the upper chapel.

4. 04

   If you have mobility difficulties, check upper-chapel access arrangements before booking.