La Sainte Chapel – House of Christian Relics in France

It is said that the Crown of Thorns, and some other relics almost as important, came to Paris in the August of 1239, in the hands of two Dominica Friars, to whom they had been pawned. The King, Louise IX, bought these relics at the huge price they asked – 135,000 livres. It had been under the protection of the Latin Emperor Baldwin II of Constantinople. The Sainte-Chapel was built on the Île de la Cité, in the courtyard of the palace. On the 26th April 1248, the building, which had stonework covered by paintings and sculptures of saints and of martyrs, and which by then had a number of the most coveted religious relics in the world, was consecrated.

With this, Louise IX, who could later be canonized, became one of the most powerful men in the world, with the very heart of Western Christendom in his courtyard itself. Rome was no longer the ultimate symbol of power it had been, the throne of Constantinople, which was under the Count of Flanders, was no longer imperial. And so, the Sainte-Chapel became a symbol of power, one of sheer and commanding beauty.

This is how it was seen during the French Revolution of 1789, as well, when much of its architecture, including the fabled steeple and baldachin, were taken away. The people’s revolution also saw the last of the relics that had been housed in the chapel for centuries. The stained glass windows, the most notable feature of the chapel, also suffered, though almost two thirds of the windows escaped harm and are still intact.

The Sainte-Chapel is an excellent example of one of the most stunning pieces of architecture of the time. Its style is specifically called ‘Rayonnant’, which was the style within Gothic architecture that was reaching its zenith during the period. The rose windows of the upper chapel, an innovation in the fifteenth century, the intricate and delicate stone framework for the lovely stained glass windows and the imposing, but weightless impression that the chapel gives are all part of what makes it one of the best examples in the world of this particular style of architecture. After the French Revolution, a good part of the Chapel had to be restored and recreated, though the spirit of the original style was respected.

What is Paris without its glorious luxury? So, if you don’t stay at least one day at a luxury hotel in Paris, you’ll be missing out a wonderful experience. But, keep in mind that you have to book your Paris hotel quite ahead, as the city is always crowded with tourists.

Tags: christian relics, emperor baldwin, french revolution of 1789, latin emperor, stained glass windows