The ever-standing Sainte-Chapelle through the years

Commission and construction

13th century

Sainte-Chapelle was commissioned by King Louis IX (later canonized as Saint Louis) in 1241, a deeply religious monarch whose devotion to Christianity was integral to his reign. The primary purpose of the chapel was to house the Crown of Thorns, fragments of the True Cross, and other sacred relics associated with the Passion of Christ. 

The chapel’s construction began in 1241 and was completed in just seven years, a remarkably short period for such an elaborate Gothic structure. Its design was entrusted to the architect Pierre de Montreuil and followed the Rayonnant Gothic style, which focused on creating height, light, and openness in architecture.

Royal and religious symbolism

14th–17th century

Sainte-Chapelle was a religious space and a symbol of the monarchy's divine right to rule. The relics housed within the chapel were intended to link the French kings with the divine, reinforcing the idea that the king’s power came directly from God. The relics also served as a pilgrimage destination, attracting devotees from across Europe who hoped to witness these sacred objects.

Over the years, Sainte-Chapelle became a central place of worship for the French monarchy. It was during this period that many of the chapel’s most notable features, including the elaborate stained glass windows, were installed. These windows depicted scenes from the Bible, creating a visual narrative of Christian history.

The French Revolution

18th century

Sainte-Chapelle faced significant upheaval during the French Revolution. As revolutionary fervor spread, the chapel was repurposed and secularized. The sacred relics were removed or scattered, with the Crown of Thorns being relocated to Notre-Dame Cathedral. The chapel was also used to store government archives and documents, a far cry from its original religious purpose. Despite the damage it suffered during this time, Sainte-Chapelle survived largely intact, and its architectural integrity remained largely undisturbed.

Restoration and preservation

19th century

After the French Revolution, Sainte-Chapelle fell into neglect for a time, but its significance was soon recognized again. In the mid-19th century, extensive restoration work was undertaken by the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and his team. The chapel underwent thorough cleaning, repairs, and restoration, including the stained glass windows, which were carefully cleaned and restored to their original vibrancy.

Post World War

20th century

Sainte-Chapelle continued to be maintained and preserved throughout the 20th century. During and after World War II, the chapel was cleaned and restored to mitigate the effects of time, pollution, and neglect. Modern preservation efforts, particularly during the late 20th century, ensured that the chapel remained a well-preserved example of Rayonnant Gothic architecture.

In 1991, Sainte-Chapelle was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for the Paris Banks of the Seine, further solidifying its importance as a cultural and historical monument.

Sainte-Chapelle today

Today, its stained glass windows, which depict over 1,100 biblical scenes, remain a defining feature of the chapel, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The chapel now serves as a museum and cultural venue, hosting classical concerts and offering an incredible insight into medieval craftsmanship and religious history.