Sainte-Chapelle
 8-27-17239057paris 50th_.jpg by Christopher Michel
Known for having perhaps the best stained glass display in the world, the main chapel is lined with tall stained glass windows stacked side by side, taking up most of the west wall. Translated as Holy Chapel, Sainte-Chapelle’s stained glass chronicles many of the stories set in the Bible. The birth of Christ is depicted in one, while the story of David is seen in another. Some of the miracles performed by Jesus come alive in the glass. The books of Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus are represented as well, among many others. The vibrant colors of the arched ceiling were chosen to match the splendor of the windows.
The chapel was originally commissioned by King Louis IX of France to house his collection of relics surrounding the life of Christ. Construction was completed in 1248, and the king stored his Passion relics therein. The small collection of about 30 pieces held some extremely valuable items, such as the Crown of Thorns, fragments of the True Cross, and the Holy Lance that speared the side of the Savior while on the cross. During the French Revolution, parts of Sainte-Chapelle were destroyed and the relics were scattered. The grande châsse was melted. Some of the relics survived, and are now on display at Notre Dame de Paris as relics of Saints-Chapelle. |
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