Sainte-Chapelle

The whole point of coming to this part of the Seine was to be able to visit the Sainte-Chapelle. My friends were already complaining that we were visiting yet another church. I like visiting these kinds of places, but the churches here in this area are on a totally different level. I knew Sainte-Chapelle was supposed to be something special and one of the best in the world. We were on the Île de la Cité to drop by this beautiful chapel. As we turned the corner around the Conciergerie, we saw a sign which pointed to the Sainte-Chapelle. I excitedly ran towards the supposed location but was immensely disappointed with the long line of people at the gate.

I looks like I wasn’t the only one interested in seeing this beautiful chapel. The chapel was commissioned by Louis IX to house, much to my surprise, the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ. I don’t know how real this relic is, but the crown of thorns, now housed at the Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most venerated relics of Christendom. Anyway, given how important the relic was, Louis IX commissioned to build one of the most beautiful chapels in the world. The inside of the chapel is lined with numerous stained glass windows. The illumination of the chapel by the stained glass windows has a beautiful effect, earning it praise everywhere. Unfortunately, I would not be able to see any of it. The queue was too long and we didn’t have enough time. The entrance was behind a large gate, it looked much like a government building and it was quite imposing. Hopefully, I would be able to come and visit this place again soon.

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