Erected by Louis IX, King of France, to house precious relics of the Passion and Byzantium, the Sainte-Chappelle is the pinnacle example of the Raynonnant Style of Gothic architecture.
True, it certainly does not boast the grandiose size of Saint Sulpice or the sheer magnificence of Notre dame, but when it comes to stained glass, this is surely the place to go. I was completely overawed by the resplendence of the upper chapel - a magical blend of light, color and space in which art and religious faith exist in perfect harmony. This was the part of the building that was actually reserved for the King and his immediate close friends and families. Wow.
What it lacks in size, this enchanting chapel makes up for it with its scintillating array of 15 world renowned stained glasses. It is really tiny by comparison with other Paris churches, and having been designed in the 'Rayonnant' gothic style, it has a particularly high ceiling relative to its length and breadth. Another thing that sets this chapel apart from the others is the fact that it has no flying buttresses..and so this architectural model provides maximum room for windows, and what windows they are!
Just imagine yourself tucked away in a gleaming, jewel box of the world's most brilliant rubies, emerald, sapphires, diamonds and topaz. Now, cover the box with a lid of indigo peppered with stars. That is exactly what it is like to stand in the middle of Saint-Chappelle.
Every picture tells a story.
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