Sainte Chapelle Tickets

The lavish interiors of Sainte Chapelle glorify Christ, adorned with stained glass windows capturing attention. Below, the Dado showcases intricate motifs and rich textile hangings, complemented by statues of the twelve apostles and Saint Peter, exemplifying medieval Parisian sculpting.

Sainte Chapelle is divided into upper and lower chapels, the former reserved for the King and family, while the latter served the royal staff. The lower chapel, with gilded architecture and a somber atmosphere, features Paris's oldest wall painting—the 13th-century Annunciation fresco. The upper chapel boasts high stained glass windows and an arched ceiling, standing as the cathedral's highlight.

Fifteen tall stained glass windows surround Sainte Chapelle, illustrating 1,134 biblical figures dominated by red and blue hues. Panels narrate Old and New Testament stories and depict Louis IX's acquisition of Passion relics. The western rose window, especially striking at sunset, portrays the Apocalypse of St. John.

Sainte Chapelle's remarkable architecture is defined by its vaults. In the upper chapel, rib-like cages support the roof on slender columns, featuring deep blue vaults with golden stars representing heaven. The lower level's blue vaults, adorned with fleur-de-lys, symbolize the French royal heritage.

The upper chapel focal point is a stunning golden shrine once housing Passion relics acquired from Constantinople Emperor Baldwin II for 135,000 livres. The collection included the Crown of Thorns and a Holy Cross fragment. Today, the shrine is empty, with relics transferred to the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral.