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Sainte-Chapelle

Gothique Rayonnant

By Emma-Jane Browne

December 31^st, 2015

La Sainte-Chapelle

I first discovered the Sainte-Chapelle a few years ago, while visiting the nearby Conciergerie with my friend Morgan. As I generally organise cultural outings and read up on places to visit beforehand, I am rarely in the position of discoving something entirely unexpected, so this visit was a delightful surprise.

Built by Saint-Louis in the 13th century to house the relics of the Passion of Christ aquired during the 4th Crusade, the Sainte-Chapelle is one of the greatest examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture. While the exterior may seem nothing more than a typical church of that period, both the Lower and Royal (High) chapel are entirely painted.