THE STAINED GLASS GEM KNOWN AS SAINTE CHAPELLE , PARIS, FRANCE .

                                              

THE  STAINED  GLASS  GEM  KNOWN  AS SAINTE  CHAPELLE ...(IN PARIS, FRANCE )

Enshrined within the city's original, 13th-century Palais de Justice (Law Courts), this gem-like Holy Chapel is Paris’s most exquisite Gothic monument, completed in 1248. It was conceived by Louis IX to house his personal collection of holy relics, including the famous Holy Crown. Some 70% of the stained glass, covering a total area of 640 square meters, is original. To understand the biblical stories illustrated in the 1113 scenes, view or 'read' the windows from left to right, and from bottom to top.Much of the stained glass at Sainte-Chapelle depicts stories from the Old and New Testaments.One colorful scene shows the second plague of Egypt. You can see bright yellow and pink frogs covering the clothes of Egyptians. Yet another glasswork shows Moses parting the Red Sea. Among the New Testament scenes, you’ll find an evocative portrayal of the Passion: Jesus being flogged while on the cross.

The Sainte Chapelle is in fact a set of two chapels, Chapelle Basse (Lower Chapel) and Chapelle Haute (Upper Chapel).
The Chapelle Haute was Saint-Louis’s private chapel and was directly linked to his apartments.The Chapelle Basse, which is dedicated to Notre-Dame, was the palace staff’s parish church.The two chapels are adorned with lavish murals, columns and sculptures that boast intricate details and patterns.

Designated as world Heritage site by UNESCO, the  Sainte-Chapelle or Saint Chapel is the finest example of Gothic architecture  seen in  entire Europe . It is located in the heart of Paris city  close to the  Siene river . The amazingly stained  glass work on walls, windows and ceiling  is something ' never seen before' variety.
Adorned with a unique collection of fifteen glass panels and a large rose window forming a veritable wall of light.

The chapel was nearly destroyed during the French Revolution in 1789. Its delicate exterior was damaged, most notably the spire whose fleurs-de-lis represented the French ruling class. A few decades later, Napoleon III commissioned the architects Duban, Lassus, Viollet-le-Duc and Boeswillwald for its restoration. Luckily, the prized crown of thorns survived and was taken to Notre Dame. The crown even survived the recent Notre Dame fire.

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris is about a 10-minute walk away from Sainte Chapple . A 10 minutes  walk  from Sainte  Chapelle takes one to  the Pantheon or Latin Quarters or Sorbonne University or  Cafe de Flore.The famous Les Deux Magots brasserie is less than a 10-minute walk away.

Classical- and sacred-music concerts held inside Sainte Chapple are  soul-stirring and  something that need not be missed.

The Sainte-Chapelle is visited for the beauty of its stained glass windows. Entry ticket costs 11.50 euro per adult. Children below 18 accompanying adults are free. There is concession for handicapped persons. One can visit the place from 9 am to 5 pm. One of the greatest achievements of Gothic architecture, the Sainte‐Chapelle boasts extensive displays of stained glass. Bask in the light of bygone days and feel the warmth and wonder emanating from some of the most beautiful windows in the world.

( Avtar Mota)

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