Top Places to Visit in Paris - Sainte-Chapelle
- Saturday, December 6, 2008, 7:44
- Things To Do
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Author: Jon W Turner
On Paris’ beautiful Ile de la Cité, nestled in the confines of the Palais de Justice complex and protected from the river Seine by the mighty and foreboding one-time prison of Marie Antoinette, the Conciergerie, lies the sublime church Sainte-Chapelle, a must-see for anyone visiting Paris for the first time, and for those of us who return to it each time we return to Paris, as a kind of sacred pilgrimage.
Sainte-Chapelle is a 13th century (consecrated 1248) structure begun under the auspices Louis IX, who would later become Saint Louis, to house various religious relics of the Passion of Christ, such as Jesus’ Crown of Thorns.
The first time I visited I purchased a combination discount ticket which also allowed me entrance to the Conciergerie. Before I was allowed to enter Sainte-Chapelle, my backpack was searched thoroughly, and this was long before 9/11. It was a rather warm early afternoon, and my Sainte-Chapelle experience was getting off to a poor start standing there in the sun.
I was finally let into the lower chapel, which was used by the parish, the commoner. This was all well and good, very . . . and very French, with lots of red, blue and gold around, and complex vaulted ceilings held up by ornate pillars, all very beautiful; still there had to be more to this place.
I mounted the stairs. These led to the upper chapel reserved for the French royalty of centuries before.
Having read about Sainte-Chapelle in several guide books, I had the sense that I knew fairly well what to expect. But when I entered the upper chapel, nothing had prepared me for what I saw there. On three sides soared spectacular stained glass looking more beautiful than any architectural feature I had ever seen in my relatively broad travels; and the magnificent rose window was behind me; above was a star-studded vaulted ceiling. The sight may leave you speechless, and you might just wish to assume the fetal position and die on the spot, because now you have seen everything.
I took a page from Rick Steves‘ travel guidebook and stood near the stairs to watch the reactions of first-time visitors. Many of them stood there, their mouths agape in awe at the place. Do go and see it for yourself!
Metro: Cité. (There are other Metro choices, but I feel Cité gives you the most interesting stroll.)
Images of the upper chapel:
Souvenirs:
Author’s home page:
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/top-places-to-visit-in-paris-saintechapelle-667820.html
About the Author:
I am a lecturer & online entrepreneur. I love reading, writing, travel (particularly in Paris, throughout England, Amsterdam), gardening (which mostly amounts to weeding, I’m afraid), karate, Ebay, Internet, Asian philosophies and religions, marketing, and much more.
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