Sainte Chapelle, is an example of the
Rayonnant Style of Gothic architecture. It was erected by Louis IX, king of France, to house the Crown of Thorns and a fragment of the True Cross, precious relics of the Passion. Louis had purchased these in 1239 from the Byzantine emperor Baldwin II, for the exorbitant sum of 135,000 livres (the chapel "only" cost 40,000 livres to build). Two years later, more relics were brought from Byzantium. The original plan of the chapel dates from 1241, and is generally attributed to Pierre de Montreuil. The structure is 36 m (118 ft) long, 17 m (56 ft) wide, and 42.5 m (139 ft) high. Fronted by a two-story porch, the Sainte-Chapelle has the emphatically vertical proportions of Gothic architecture, which had been perfected during the 12th century. The architectural model is that of a building with a single nave, culminating in a chevet with seven panels. Outside, the design concentrates on the essentials — a sober base and heavy buttresses contrasting with the soaring lightness of the upper parts. The slate roof is dominated by the spire made of cedar, 33 meters (108 ft) high, a masterpiece of finesse, made in the 19th century, but an exact replica of the 15th century spire.
The upper
chapel is resplendent in its Gothic architecture — light, color, and space blend to inspire a sense of harmony between art and religious faith. Architects, sculptors and painters evidently took the greatest care with the interior of the upper chapel, as this was the part of the building reserved for the king, his close friends and family, as well as for displaying the religious relics.
The holy relics purchased by Saint Louis were kept in a large, richly decorated reliquary, placed at the summit of the open tribune, at the back of the apse. They were exhibited to the faithful each year on Good Friday. In addition to the Crown of Thorns and a piece of the True Cross, the Sainte-Chapelle's collection of relics included a number of other key pieces mentioned in both Testaments of the Bible.
The lower
chapel is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, whose statue stands freely next to the central pier of the portal. Low vaulted ceilings rest on fine columns with crocketed capitals, linked by anchor braces made of wood or stone. The walls are decorated with trefoiled
arcades and twelve medallions representing the Apostles.
French fleurs de lys on an azure background and towers of Castile alternate on the columns. The towers are an homage to Blanche of Castile, Saint Louis' mother. The vaulted ceiling is painted to resemble star-filled heavens, and the floor contains tombstones covering the sepulchres of treasurers and reverends of the Sainte-Chapelle. During the period of the monarchy, the lower chapel was reserved for palace staff.
It seemed odd that there were such small winding staircases leading up to the main chappel and down to the lower chapel which is now home to the gift shop.
The Pompidou is another modern museum similar to its contents as the Tate Modern in London. However the architecture with the escalators being on the outside of the building make it an entirely different experience. The design was won by competition in 1971 by Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano. Interesting that such a modern design would be chosen after the not so warm welcome of the Eiffel Tower to the Parisan skyline. The ride to the top of the building and a visit at the top offer some awsome views of Paris including a great view of the Church of the Sacred Heart. It would be nice to eat lunch or dinner up there next time! Although most of the art here is not to my liking the building and its views are a must see in Paris.
