La Sainte Chepelle

Sainte Chapelle could be considered a huge reliquary built to house the relics of the Crucifixion.

In 1239, Saint Louis bought the crown of thorns from Venetian merchants for 135,000 Pounds. Fragments of the Holy Cross fragments as well as instruments of torture were bought from Baudoin II, king of Jerusalem in 1241. 

Saint Louis did not want these holy relics to be scattered

Such precious relics deserved to be sheltered in a special place. Hence, Saint Louis chose to have a church built inside the Royal Palace on Cité isle in order to emphasize the close relationship between the Holy Relics and the monarchy (that palace was later replaced later by the Law Courts building). Indeed, building Sainte Chapelle was not only an act of faith; it was also a political deed. The church, which has two levels, was consecrated on April 26th, 1248, so it is assumed that Sainte Chapelle was finished at this time. The starting date, however, is still unknown, as is the name of the master mason is also (probably Pierre de Montreuil or Jean de Chelles). 5 Things... religious statues-statues religieuses gold-or high ceilings-de hauts plafonds altar-modifier Passion relics-reliques de la Passion

FOOD!

des croquettes


le pain perdu


What do I hear?
Prayers-prières


Qu'est-ce que tu as fait?
A la Sainte Chepelle, je suis allé à la messe.