Sainte Chapelle Tickets

History

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.

Inspired by a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, King Louis IX commissioned the construction of Sainte-Chapelle to house the Crown of Thorns. Under the meticulous guidance of architect Pierre de Montreuil, the chapel took shape in the exquisite Rayonnant Gothic style, characterized by its soaring arches, intricate ornamentation, and abundant stained-glass windows. In 1248, the chapel was consecrated, marking its completion and dedication to the Holy Trinity.

Sainte-Chapelle served as the royal chapel for the French monarchy for over 250 years. The chapel’s intricate stained-glass windows, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, bathed the interior in a kaleidoscope of colors, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere of devotion. The presence of sacred relics, including the Crown of Thorns, further elevated the chapel’s spiritual significance, making it a revered landmark of Parisian history.

The Reformation, characterized by iconoclasm and the destruction of religious images, brought about significant changes for Sainte-Chapelle. The relics, including the Crown of Thorns, were removed, and the chapel’s role as a royal chapel diminished. The chapel was used for various purposes, including a music school and a prison. During the French Revolution, revolutionaries further damaged the chapel’s religious iconography and its stained-glass windows were partially destroyed.

In the early 19th century, renowned architects Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and Jean-Baptiste Lassus undertook extensive restoration efforts to restore Sainte-Chapelle to its former glory. The chapel’s stained-glass windows were painstakingly repaired, and the interior was meticulously restored, bringing back its former splendor. In 1979, Sainte-Chapelle’s exceptional artistic and architectural significance was recognized with its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sainte-Chapelle has endured the test of time, emerging as a popular tourist destination and a vibrant cultural hub. The chapel’s breathtaking stained-glass windows continue to captivate visitors, while the space hosts concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events. Sainte-Chapelle stands as a testament to the enduring power of art, architecture, and human resilience, inspiring generations of visitors and scholars.

Interior of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris, france
Monumental interior of Sainte-Chapelle with stained glass windows, upper level of royal chapel in the Gothic style. Palais de la Cite, Paris, France
Rich decorated interior of the Gothic Medieval Sainte Chapelle - a royal chapel in Paris, France
SAINTE-CHAPELLE royal chapel in the Gothic style Stained Glass

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.

Notable stained-glass windows of biblical scenes of Ornate, 13th-century, Gothic chapel Sainte-Chapelle, Paris
Chuch - Cathedral of La Sainte Chapelle in Paris France
Sainte-Chapelle in Paris City, France
Notable stained-glass windows of biblical scenes of Ornate, 13th-century, Gothic chapel Sainte-Chapelle, Paris

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

4.6/5

5.9K+ Reviews

From €20

Tiqets

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Access to Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie
  • Free Cancellation

“Unreal. I wasn’t prepared for how breathtaking the chapel would be…”

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Paris: Notre Dame & Ile de la Cité Tour with Sainte Chapelle

4.9/5

200+ Reviews

From €69

GetYourGuide

  • Reserve now & pay later
  • Semi-Private Walking Tour
  • Sainte Chapelle Timed Entry Ticket 
  • 2 Hours
  • Free cancellation

“Silvia our guide was kind, friendly and knowledgeable, a river full of history and art. It was really pleasant and interesting to hear her explain, ranging from…”

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Île de la Cité and Latin Quarter Guided Tour with Seine River Cruise

4.7/5

400+ Reviews

From €74

Headout

  • Instant Confirmation
  • 2-hr Walking Tour 
  • Entry to Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie
  • 1-hr Boat Ride on Seine River
  • Free Cancellation

“The guide was fantastic. Loved the tour, the history and sites…”

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The front entrance of the Palais de Justice and Sainte-Chapelle chapel in Paris, France in sunny summer day - architecture background

Castle Conciergerie - former royal palace and prison. Conciergerie located on the west of the Cite Island and today it is part of larger complex known as Palais de Justice. Paris, France.

Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie: Entry Ticket

4.6/5 (5.9K+ Reviews)

Paris is full of stories and secrets! With this combo ticket, you’ll unveil two of its most impressive chapters on your own. Be swept away by the stunning stained-glass windows in the Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th-century Gothic masterpiece. The brochure offers insights into the history and mysteries of the chapel.

The neighboring Conciergerie was once part of the royal palace before being transformed into a prison during the French Revolution. Here, an augmented reality tool brings Marie Antoinette’s prison cell to life. Particularly striking are the Hall of the Guards and the clock tower on the building’s northeastern side. Don’t miss the chance to uncover two hidden treasures!

  • Admission to the Sainte-Chapelle
  • Admission to the Conciergerie
  • Augmented reality tool

Addresses:  Sainte-Chapelle, 10 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris
Conciergerie, 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris

Starting time:
Sainte-Chapelle: Please check availability and choose your preferred time slot.
Conciergerie: No specific time slot is required, allowing you to visit it during opening hours.

You can either start at Sainte-Chapelle or at Conciergerie. Both sights are only a few steps away from each other. It is recommended to start with Conciergerie because it closes earlier.

Duration:  Take as much time as you want to get your fill of Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie.

5* Finn, United States, Aug 19, 2024 • Verified customer

Beautiful chapel, didn’t get in until about 30 minutes after my scheduled time but that’s okay. Conciergeie had an interesting interactive tablet experience which I enjoyed as well, would be great for kids!

5* Karla, United States, Jun 15, 2024 • Verified customer

Great experience and I’ve already recommended Tiqets to others! They had tickets to attractions when I couldn’t find them elsewhere, good price, and very quick to email the tickets to me.

Starting at  €20

Check Availability

Tiqets

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Access to Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie
  • Free Cancellation

Paris: Notre Dame & Ile de la Cité Tour with Sainte Chapelle

4.9/5 (200+ Reviews)

With this ticket, you’ll not only delve deeper into the history of a hidden gem of Paris, but also explore Île de la Cité on a leisurely walk, available in English, Spanish or Italian. Join your knowledgeable guide to stroll through the historic Seine island, taking in views of the Notre-Dame Cathedral from the outside, and gems like the church of San Severino and Place Dauphine. Visit the 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle with your included timed entry ticket and admire its awe-inspiring stained-glass windows and Gothic architecture at your own pace.

  • Semi-private walking tour (up to 14 people)
  • Experienced local guide
  • Timed entry ticket for Sainte Chapelle
  • Entry Tickets for Conciergerie (only if option selected)

Meeting point: Meet your guide at Hotel de Ville in front of the Olympic rings. Look for the guide holding a ‘GetYourGuide’ sign.

Starting Time: 10:00 AM. Arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before your starting time.

Duration: 2 Hours

Martina – Italy, Feb. 2024 [Source: GetYourGuide]

Silvia our guide was kind, friendly and knowledgeable, a river full of history and art. It was really pleasant and interesting to hear her explain, ranging from the construction of Paris to the architectural styles encountered, to small hidden and spectacular corners. La Sainte Chappelle takes your breath away

Starting at €69

Check Availability

GetYourGuide

  • Reserve now & pay later
  • Sainte Chapelle Entry Ticket
  • Semi-private Walking Tour
  • 2 Hours
  • Free Cancellation

Île de la Cité and Latin Quarter Guided Tour with Seine River Cruise

4.7/5 (400+ Reviews)

This ticket includes a Seine River Tour, admission to Sainte-Chapelle, and a 2-hour walking tour of the Latin Quarter and Île de la Cité. With your expert guide and a small group of up to 15 people, you’ll explore the historic Île de la Cité and its treasures, including Sainte-Chapelle, Notre-Dame, and the Conciergerie.

Enjoy a 1-hour Seine River Cruise, where you’ll discover the attractions of the City of Love and Lights, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, from a unique perspective.

  • 2-hour walking tour of Latin Quarter & Île de la Cité
  • Expert local guide
  • Small-group of 15 people
  • Entry to Sainte-Chapelle
  • Entry to Conciergerie
  • One-hour boat ride on Seine river

Address:

Show your ticket at the Cité metro entrance (1 rue Aubé, 75004 Paris). The guide will be holding a green Walks sign.

Starting time: Please check availability and choose your preferred time slot.

Duration: 3 Hours

Good to know: The tour does not include entry into Notre Dame Cathedral.

5* Travis, June 2024

The guide was fantastic. Loved the tour, the history and sites.

5* Harry, Nov. 2022

Liked the guide, very informative and took the time to answer all my questions. Only concern is that Notre Dame is closed obviously for renovations. No mention in the description was made in that this was a walk around, no inside access possible.

Starting at  €74

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Headout

  • Instant Confirmation
  • 2-hr Walking Tour 
  • Entry to Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie
  • 1-hr Seine River Cruise
  • Free Cancellation

>> Check out the best places to eat near the Sainte-Chapelle with our restaurant recommendations.

>> Locate Sainte-Chapelle in Paris and plan your visit with our visitor tips.

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