The Enchanting Beauty of the Stained Glass Windows of the Sainte-Chapelle (10 photos)

The Sainte-Chapelle, or Holy Chapel, is a marvel of Gothic architecture that cannot be compared to any other Catholic cathedral. It is considered one of the most beautiful small Gothic churches. It is estimated that the stained glass windows cover 618 square meters. Light, filtering through the colored glass, creates a soft golden glow in the chapel. Its true beauty can therefore only be appreciated upon ascending to the second floor.





The stained glass windows of the Sainte-Chapelle depict biblical scenes, from the creation of the world to the construction of the chapel itself. Most of the stained glass windows are unique: they are authentic surviving 13th-century pieces.



Stained glass windows—pictures composed of colored glass—refract sunlight and create an atmosphere of mystery and connection to higher realms so important to churches. In the Middle Ages, the development of stained glass art was directly linked to active church construction. Vibrant stained glass compositions contained messages for the illiterate about the salvation of the soul and illustrations of biblical stories.





The Sainte-Chapelle chapel in central Paris was built as a reliquary to house the relics of Christ, acquired by King Louis of France. The lower church of Sainte-Chapelle forms the foundation for the entire structure, with enormous windows rising from it, while the graceful upper church of Sainte-Chapelle resembles a jewel box.





Windows occupy the main space of the chapel—a total of fifteen lancet windows, approximately 15 meters high. They are dedicated to the traditional theme of the succession of rulers from different periods, from the Old Testament patriarchs to the reign of Christ and the hereditary kings of France.





The Sainte-Chapelle's decor is striking in its sophistication and opulence. On the ground floor of this Parisian chapel, tourists will see a seven-meter-high frescoed vault, beautiful stained-glass windows, and the walls of the first tier adorned with heraldic lilies.



Upon ascending to the second level, you'll find yourself practically floating. It seems as if there are no walls, but this is only an illusion; the entire floor is made up of enormous stained-glass windows, so the space is flooded with light. This is especially magnificent on a clear, sunny day. The two levels of the Sainte-Chapelle are connected by a narrow staircase, built during the chapel's construction.