Stained Glass Windows of Sainte-Chapelle

The Sainte-Chapelle is a chapel within the palace complex in the center of Paris. This chapel is meant to be a house the relics related to the passion of Jesus Christ. Specifically, there are alleged pieces of the true cross where Jesus was crucified and also the crown of thorns itself which was put on Jesus’ head when he was crucified. As you can imagine these artifacts, if true, bring enormous prestige to the chapel, and of course to the kings of France. There relics are not housed here anymore but you can tell from the way the chapel looks that it was given a lot of attention, proportionate to the relics that will be housed in it.

Stained glass windows are typical features of a gothic church which Sainte-Chapelle is. These windows are typically constructed near the roof. This is no different for Sainte-Chapelle. It has huge stained glass windows adorning the walls near the roof of the church. What makes Sainte-Chapelle different is that the chapel actually has two stories. What would have been a normal look for a gothic church – having stained glass windows near the roof is suddenly changed when you go to visit the upper level. Now, the windows occupy the majority of the wall which creates a magical atmosphere. The effect is especially nice when the sun is out, like today, the different colors would illuminate the chapel giving you a experience you won’t forget.

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