Sainte Chapelle

The Sainte-Chapelle (French: [sɛ̃t ʃapɛl]; English: Holy Chapel) is a royal chapel located on the Île de la Cité in the middle of the River Seine in Paris. It was part of the medieval Palais de la Cité, the main residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century. Built between 1238 and 1248, the chapel was commissioned by King Louis IX of France to house his collection of relics of the Passion, including one of the most important relics in medieval Christendom: the Crown of Thorns. During the French Revolution, the relics were removed from the Sainte-Chapelle, later to be given to the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, where they continue to be displayed. Today, the Sainte-Chapelle is considered among the highest achievements representing the Rayonnant period of Gothic architecture. Along with the neighbouring Conciergerie, it is also one of the only surviving buildings from the Capetian royal palace (now part of the judicial complex known as the Palais de Justice). Despite being damaged by the Revolution and restored during the 19th century, the upper chapel's windows are among the most extensive collections of original 13th-century stained glass anywhere. The Sainte-Chapelle is currently operated as a museum by the Centre des monuments nationaux, attracting visitors from around the world.