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Sainte-Chapelle’s interior: A play of light, color, and history

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The interiors of Sainte-Chapelle are a breathtaking testament to medieval France's artistic and spiritual ambitions. Constructed in the 13th century by King Louis IX, this Gothic masterpiece was designed to house and honor sacred Christian relics, such as the Crown of Thorns.

The 2 chapels make up the interior of Sainte-Chapelle. Walking into the lower chapel, visitors are greeted by an intimate yet richly decorated space. Ascending to the upper chapel, they are enveloped by a celestial glow as sunlight streams through the stained-glass windows, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. This dramatic shift in scale, light, and ornamentation was intentional, evoking the spiritual essence of the chapel.

Layout of Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle exterior within Vincennes Castle fortifications, Paris.

The layout of Sainte-Chapelle is a brilliant example of Gothic architectural design, combining functionality and spirituality. It was meticulously planned to serve both as a place of worship and a reliquary for sacred Christian relics. Its interior is divided into two chapels: the lower chapel, built for palace staff, and the upper chapel, reserved for the king and his court.

  • Structure: Sainte-Chapelle is a rectangular, two-story building with a relatively narrow footprint (approximately 36 meters long, 17 meters wide, and 42.5 meters tall at its highest point).
  • Orientation: The chapel is oriented east to west, with the altar located at the eastern end, symbolizing the direction of Jerusalem and Christ’s resurrection.

Two levels:

  • Lower Chapel: Ground level, serving as a support for the upper chapel and a place of worship for palace staff.
  • Upper Chapel: Elevated level, designed for the king, his family, and special guests, showcasing the chapel’s primary artistic and spiritual elements.

The chapels in a nutshell

Lower Chapels in Sainte Chapelle with stained glass windows, Paris, France.

The Lower Chapel

Purpose:

  • Served as a place of worship for palace staff and servants working in the royal complex.
  • Supported the upper chapel structurally, acting as its foundation.

Architecture:

  • Low vaulted ceilings with elegant ribbing, create an intimate and solemn atmosphere.
  • Decorated with painted arches, columns, and a blue ceiling studded with golden fleur-de-lis, representing the French monarchy.
  • Features a statue of the Virgin Mary, a key figure in the chapel’s dedication.
  • Simple stained-glass windows (compared to the upper chapel), allow in subdued light.

Atmosphere:

  • Humble and functional, yet still richly adorned to reflect the connection to the royal family and their divine mandate.
Stained glass windows in Upper Chapel of Sainte Chapelle, Paris, showcasing biblical scenes.

The Upper Chapel

Purpose:

  • Reserved exclusively for the king, his family, and invited guests.
  • Designed to house and showcase sacred Christian relics, including the Crown of Thorns and fragments of the True Cross.

Architecture:

  • Soaring height with an open, luminous space, creating a sense of awe and transcendence.
  • Renowned for its 15-meter-high stained-glass windows, which cover nearly the entire wall surface, depicting over 1,000 biblical scenes from Genesis to Revelation.
  • The windows are arranged in 15 panels, illustrating stories in a sequential, narrative style.
  • Ribbed vaulting painted in vibrant colors and delicate stone tracery supporting the windows.
  • Delicate stone tracery frames the windows and decorates the columns, showcasing the skill of medieval artisans. Statues of apostles and other saints are integrated into the architectural design, acting as spiritual guardians.
  • A central reliquary (now lost) once displayed the relics.

Atmosphere:

  • Radiant and heavenly, intended to symbolize the divine presence and authority of the monarchy.
  • When sunlight streams through the windows, it creates a kaleidoscope of colors, enhancing the sacred ambiance.

The Upper Chapel: A heavenly masterpiece

Stained glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris, viewed from a lower angle.

Stained glass windows

The Upper Chapel's walls are almost entirely composed of stained glass, with 15 tall windows standing at approximately 15 meters high, covering about 618 square meters of surface area, creating a "wall of light." The windows depict 1,113 biblical scenes, illustrating stories from both the Old and New Testaments.

Sainte Chapelle interior with stained rose window in Paris, France.
Monumental interior vaulted ceiling of Upper Chapel of Sainte-Chapelle with stained glass windows.
Statues of the Twelve Apostles in the upper chapel of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris.
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The Lower Chapel: A hidden jewel

Vaulted ceiling in dark blue with golden motifs at Lower Chapels in Sainte Chapelle

Vaulted ceiling

The ceiling is supported by painted ribbed vaults, painted in deep blue and adorned with golden fleur-de-lis, symbolizing the French monarchy.

Slender red columns with gold and green patterns in lower chapel ceiling, Sainte-Chapelle, Paris.
Mall altar surrounded by statues of saints in Saint Chapelle.
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Sculptures at the Sainte-Chapelle

The sculptures and paintings at Sainte-Chapelle are integral to its artistic and spiritual identity. Together with the chapel's stunning stained glass, these elements create a richly decorated space that conveys theological and royal themes.

Upper Chapel interior with stained glass windows and 12 Apostle statues, Paris, France.

The Apostles’ statues

  • Location: The Upper Chapel
  • Along the walls of the Upper Chapel, there are 12 statues representing the Apostles, who are foundational figures of Christianity. Each apostle is depicted standing in a niche with unique postures, facial expressions, and hand gestures, giving them individual character. 
Richly carved column capitals with floral and narrative motifs in Saint Chapelle.

Decorative capitals and reliefs

  • Location: Both the Upper and Lower Chapels
  • The capitals of the columns are richly carved with floral, and sometimes narrative motifs. Relief carvings depict biblical and symbolic themes, subtly reinforcing the sacred atmosphere.
Small angelic statues in the Upper Chapel, Sainte-Chapelle, Paris.

Angel statues

  • Location: Near the altars
  • Small angelic statues in the Upper Chapel add to the divine ambiance, often holding sacred objects or in postures of reverence.

Paintings at Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle stained glass windows and vaulted ceiling painted in blue with golden motifs, Paris.
Chapel interior with red, blue, and gold intricate floral and geometric patterns.
Vigrin Mary's Annunciation wall paintings in Sainte-Chapelle, Paris.
Stained glass panels depicting biblical stories in Sainte-Chapelle, Paris.
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Painted ceilings

The ceilings of both the Upper and Lower Chapels are painted in deep midnight blue and adorned with golden stars, symbolizing the heavens. This celestial design reinforces the chapel's divine purpose.

Painted columns and walls

The columns and walls are painted in vibrant red, blue, and gold, with intricate floral and geometric patterns. This decorative scheme highlights the French monarchy’s connection to the divine, particularly through the use of the fleur-de-lis motif (a symbol of the French royal family).

Oldest mural in Paris

This mural is situated at the end of the Lower Chapel, above a door that formerly went into the tower housing the treasure of Chartres (royal archives). The Annunciation is arguably one of the most poignant moments in the Virgin Mary's life. Mary is informed that she is a mother by the angel Gabriel.

Biblical narrative paintings

While most of the chapel’s narrative storytelling is conveyed through stained glass, some small painted panels complement these scenes. These paintings often enhance the storytelling of the relics and biblical stories.

Pro tips for appreciating the details

  • Morning or afternoon light: Visit during these times for optimal lighting, which brings out the full vibrancy of the stained glass.
  • Bring binoculars: Binoculars or a zoom lens are invaluable for examining the intricate details of the stained glass scenes.
  • Guided tours: Many tours or apps provide in-depth explanations of the biblical stories and artistic techniques behind the stained glass.
  • Staircase between the chapels: The staircase connecting the Lower and Upper Chapels gives a sense of transition from a grounded, intimate space to the heavenly splendor of the Upper Chapel.

Frequently asked questions about the interiors of Sainte-Chapelle

Why is the Upper Chapel significantly more elaborate than the Lower Chapel?

The Upper Chapel was designed for royalty and to house holy relics, making it more ornate than the Lower Chapel used by staff.

What materials and techniques were used to create the stained glass windows?

The windows were made with colored glass, metal supports, and grisaille painting, using medieval glass-blowing and enamel techniques.

Are there any hidden details or symbols to look for in the stained glass?

Look for biblical stories, French royal emblems (fleur-de-lis), and depictions of relic transportation in the stained glass.

How does the architecture of the chapel enhance its acoustics during concerts?

The high vaulted ceilings and open spaces amplify sound, creating superb acoustics for concerts.

What is the purpose of the carved stone detailing throughout the chapel?

The carvings convey religious themes, emphasize Gothic design, and add to the chapel’s grandeur.

Are there inscriptions or texts integrated into the stained glass panels?

Yes, many stained-glass panels include biblical inscriptions or short explanatory texts.

What relics were originally housed in the Upper Chapel, and where are they now?

The Crown of Thorns and other Passion relics were housed there, now kept at Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Is there a particular spot inside the chapel that offers the best view of the interiors?

Stand in the center of the Upper Chapel to fully appreciate the stained-glass windows and vaulted ceilings.

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