Style: Gothic
Architect: Pierre de Montreuil (as mentioned in some texts)
Built: 1248
Sainte-Chapelle, commissioned by King Louis IX in the 13th century, is a prime example of the Rayonnant Gothic style, characterized by its focus on height, elegance, and an intricate interplay of light.
The entrance, located on the western side, features elaborate sculptural decorations, including the lily flower, symbolizing the Virgin Mary, and icons of the Crown of Thorns, reflecting the chapel’s original function as a reliquary for sacred relics
The 108-foot spire — the fifth to rise above the chapel since its construction — was crafted by a Parisian carpenter named Bellu in the 19th century. Using cedar wood, he seamlessly blended Gothic design with delicate proportions creating intricate carvings.
Inside, the emphasis on height and light is key to the Gothic style’s symbolic intention: to draw the eyes upward, lifting the visitor’s thoughts toward the heavens. The combination of soaring ceilings, pointed arches, and vast stained glass windows work together to create a sense of ethereal beauty and divine presence.