History of Sainte-Chapelle
History of Sainte-Chapelle
Step into a realm of unparalleled beauty and historical significance as you explore the Sainte-Chapelle Church in Paris. This masterpiece of Gothic architecture stands as a testament to the artistic and architectural prowess of medieval France, transporting you back to the era of saints and kings.
Delve into the chapel’s rich history, intricately interwoven with the life of King Louis IX, who commissioned its construction to house the sacred relics of Christ’s Passion. Let’s begin with a chronological timeline, followed by an in-depth summary and insights into its remarkable architecture.
History of Sainte-Chapelle: Chronological Timeline
1239
King Louis IX, inspired by a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, commissioned the construction of Sainte-Chapelle on the Île de la Cité in Paris to house the Crown of Thorns, a relic believed to be the crown placed on Jesus Christ’s head during his crucifixion.
1242-48
The construction of Sainte-Chapelle begins under the direction of architect Pierre de Montreuil. The chapel is designed in the Rayonnant Gothic style, characterized by its soaring arches, intricate ornamentation, and abundant stained-glass windows.
1248
Sainte-Chapelle is consecrated, marking its completion. The chapel is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and serves as a royal chapel for the French monarchy.
1379
Charles V of France presents the Sainte-Chapelle Gospels to the chapel, commissioned from leading Parisian illuminators in the late 13th century. The Gospels feature elaborately decorated initials, delicate figures, and biblical scenes.
15th Century
The relics housed in Sainte-Chapelle, including the Crown of Thorns, are moved to Notre Dame Cathedral. The chapel’s role as a royal chapel diminishes, and it is used for various purposes, including a music school and a prison.
16th Century
The stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle are partially destroyed during the Protestant Reformation, which led to iconoclasm and the destruction of religious images.
17th Century
The upper chapel of Sainte-Chapelle is transformed into an exhibition space for the royal collection of ancient statues and artifacts.
French Revolution (1789-1799)
Sainte-Chapelle suffers significant damage during the French Revolution, as revolutionaries dismantle its religious iconography and use the chapel as a prison and a stable. The stained-glass windows are further damaged or destroyed.
19th Century
Restoration efforts begin in the early 19th century, led by architects Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and Jean-Baptiste Lassus. The chapel’s stained-glass windows are carefully repaired, and the interior is restored to its former splendor.
1979
Sainte-Chapelle is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional artistic and architectural significance.
20th and 21st centuries
Sainte-Chapelle remains a popular tourist destination and a revered landmark of Parisian history. The chapel hosts concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events, and its stained-glass windows continue to captivate visitors with their beauty and artistry.
History of Sainte-Chapelle: In-depth Summary
Delve into the rich history of Sainte-Chapelle with our intricately crafted overview. Immerse yourself in each meticulously presented segment, traversing through time to unveil the origins, transformations, and profound cultural significance of this iconic architectural gem.
Architecture of Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, stands as a testament to the artistic and architectural prowess of the 13th century. Commissioned by King Louis IX to house the Crown of Thorns, the chapel was designed by architect Pierre de Montreuil and completed in 1248.
The chapel’s design exemplifies the Rayonnant Gothic style, characterized by its soaring arches, intricate ornamentation, and abundant stained-glass windows. The lower chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is austere in its design, while the upper chapel, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is a spectacle of light and color, with over 6,500 square feet of stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
The chapel’s artistic elements further enhance its visual appeal. The Royal Gallery, a narrow corridor above the upper chapel, offers a unique perspective of the stained-glass windows, while the Sainte-Chapelle Gospels, a beautifully illuminated manuscript, adds to the chapel’s rich artistic heritage.
Sainte-Chapelle Tickets & Tours
Immerse yourself in the world of Sainte-Chapelle with our carefully curated collection of tickets and guided tours.
Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie: Entry Ticket
7.3K+ Reviews
€20
Tiqets
“Super easy to use and well worth the money! Sainte-Chapelle was absolutely breathtaking, and these tickets got us in with minimal wait times (~10 minutes at 2pm on a Friday).” Erika, Jul 2025, USA [Source: Tiqets]
Paris: Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie Combined Tickets
8.3K+ Reviews
€23
GetYourGuide
“The audio guide for the chapel was very simple to use. Love seeing the cell where Marie-Antoinette was held. Everything was very well organized.” Twila, Nov. 2025, USA
Île de la Cité Guided Tour with Sainte-Chapelle Tickets
970+ Reviews
€35
Headout
“Had very nice and interesting walk. Our Guide, Nina, was very nice, friendly and funny. Told a lot about the history. Was really enjoyable and informative.” Malgorzata, Dec. 2025 [Source: Headout]
Paris: Notre Dame Outdoor Tour with Sainte-Chapelle / Crypt.
710+ Reviews
€54
GetYourGuide
“Nick was the best guide. Definitely worth the money. We learned so much.” Carly, Jan. 2026, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
Paris Museum Pass: 2, 4, or 6 Days
4.4K+ Reviews
€110
GetYourGuide
“This was an excellent option and we took full advantage of it. One word of caution — pay attention to those musuems that require advance reservations, like the Louvre.” Steve, Dec. 2025, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
Popular Products related to Sainte-Chapelle Tickets
Paris: Panthéon Admission Ticket
6.1K+ Reviews
€14
GetYourGuide
“We did not have a person as a guide, but used the audio guide and found it to be easy to follow and understand. The information was very good and informative.” Trisha, Nov. 2025, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
Musée Rodin: Skip The Line
2.1K+ Reviews
€15
Tiqets
“First visit to the museum. The grounds are simply beautiful as well as the exhibits inside. It was amazing to see how Rodin did his sculptors step by step. Fabulous visit” Cheri, Oct. 2025 [Source: Tiqets]
Musée d’Orsay: Dedicated Entrance
16.9K+ Reviews
€17.50
Tiqets
“The museum is beautiful with wide variety of art, paintings, sculptures, Rodin, impressionists. Just was so crowded and people are not considerate of others. Did like having timed entry.” Wendy, Oct. 2025, USA [Source: Tiqets]
Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator: Reserved Entry to the Summit or Second Floor
20.3K+ Reviews
€20.91
Headout
“Claudio was so accommodating and kind when we arrived! The trip to the top of the Effie tower was absolutely epic! We loved the champagne and the ambiance was spectacular 🥂Thank you ” Wendy, Jan. 2026 [Source: Headout]
Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie: Entry Ticket
Explore two iconic Paris landmarks in one visit, from the dazzling stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle to the historic Conciergerie, where royal and revolutionary stories come to life.
“Super easy to use and well worth the money! Sainte-Chapelle was absolutely breathtaking, and these tickets got us in with minimal wait times (~10 minutes at 2pm on a Friday).” Erika, Jul 2025, USA [Source: Tiqets]
Paris: Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie Combined Tickets
Enjoy one combination ticket for Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, and explore the architectural beauty and layered history of two of Paris’s most remarkable landmarks.
“The audio guide for the chapel was very simple to use. Love seeing the cell where Marie-Antoinette was held. Everything was very well organized.” Twila, Nov. 2025, USA
Île de la Cité Guided Tour with Sainte-Chapelle Tickets
Stroll across the Île de la Cité with an English-speaking guide, discover the neighborhood’s stories, and enjoy access to Sainte-Chapelle.
“Had very nice and interesting walk. Our Guide, Nina, was very nice, friendly and funny. Told a lot about the history. Was really enjoyable and informative.” Malgorzata, Dec. 2025 [Source: Headout]
Paris: Notre Dame Outdoor Tour with Sainte-Chapelle / Crypt.
Join a guided walk around Notre Dame, with an optional exclusive visit to the crypt, and admire the restored Gothic masterpiece while uncovering hidden corners of Notre Dame Island.
“Nick was the best guide. Definitely worth the money. We learned so much.” Carly, Jan. 2026, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
Paris Museum Pass: 2, 4, or 6 Days
Access over 60 top museums and monuments in Paris and beyond with the Paris Museum Pass, including iconic sites such as the Louvre and Versailles.
“This was an excellent option and we took full advantage of it. One word of caution — pay attention to those musuems that require advance reservations, like the Louvre.” Steve, Dec. 2025, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
Popular Products related to Sainte-Chapelle Tickets
Paris: Panthéon Admission Ticket
Visit the Panthéon, a monument honoring the figures who shaped French history since the Revolution, and enjoy an engaging self-guided tour at your own pace.
“We did not have a person as a guide, but used the audio guide and found it to be easy to follow and understand. The information was very good and informative.” Trisha, Nov. 2025, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
Musée Rodin: Skip The Line
Each year, more than 700,000 visitors flock to the Musée Rodin to admire Rodin’s world-famous sculptures.
“First visit to the museum. The grounds are simply beautiful as well as the exhibits inside. It was amazing to see how Rodin did his sculptors step by step. Fabulous visit” Cheri, Oct. 2025 [Source: Tiqets]
Musée d’Orsay: Dedicated Entrance
Discover breathtaking Impressionist masterpieces inside the beautifully restored Orsay station.
“The museum is beautiful with wide variety of art, paintings, sculptures, Rodin, impressionists. Just was so crowded and people are not considerate of others. Did like having timed entry.” Wendy, Oct. 2025, USA [Source: Tiqets]
Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator: Reserved Entry to the Summit or Second Floor
Explore the Eiffel Tower on a guided small-group visit, take in unforgettable day or night views, and enhance your experience with summit access or a relaxing Seine River cruise.
“Claudio was so accommodating and kind when we arrived! The trip to the top of the Effie tower was absolutely epic! We loved the champagne and the ambiance was spectacular 🥂Thank you ” Wendy, Jan. 2026 [Source: Headout]
