Issue No. 13

The history
It is quite extraordinary to be sitting in this
building known as the "Holy Chapel" on the
Ile de la Cité where the medieval Kings of
France once lived. It’s a short walk from
Notre-Dame Cathedral which was begun
before the creation of Sainte-Chappelle but
completed afterwards.
It’s said that Sainte-Chappelle took just
seven years to build and was consecrated
on April 26th, 1248. Its purpose was to
house relics which King Louis IX (1214-
1270), also known as Saint Louis, had
bought. They were said to include
fragments of the Crown of Thorns (now at
Notre-Dame) and of the Holy Cross.
Sainte-Chappelle is bijoux and quite
stunningly beautiful. There are 15 windows,
each 15 metres high, the stained glass
panes depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and
New Testaments recounting the history of
the world until the arrival of the relics in
Paris. An astonishing work of art that must
have been one of the wonders of its time –
it still is.
Music at Sainte-Chappelle
You can visit Sainte-Chappelle during the
day and, when the sun shines through
those awesome windows, it’s like standing
in a diamond encrusted jewel box.
But, for a really magical experience, there
are almost nightly classical music concerts
held in this ancient place. As you sit here, in
one of the most beautiful, historic buildings
of Paris it is incredible to know that Kings
and Queens have sat here before you.
Listening to great classical music played by
the passionate musicians is quite simply an
encounter to cherish. The accoustics are
magnificent, sending shivers up your spine,
an incredible, inspiring and precious
experience. There are two concerts each
night, and, I highly recommend dinner
afterwards at the Deux Palais brasserie
across the road to completely round out
your experience.
Tickets are available for the concerts
from less than 30 Euros. You can also
book dinner at the same time via:
classictic.com