Easily THE most exquisite religious structure we've visited so far is the Sainte-Chapelle (Holy Chapel), which is part of the 10th century Palais de la Cite (now the Palace of Justice). Construction of the chapel began in 1242, on the orders of Louis IX, in order to house his collection of Passion Relics (including Christ's Crown of Thorns and and a piece of His crucifix - both of which he bought from the Latin Emperor of Constantinople). Documents indicate that Louis IX paid more than five times the cost of constructing the building for these relics...which recent testing indicate that they may be fakes! The upper chapel was used by the King and his close friends, while the lower chapel was for the palace staff and their families. Stunningly beautiful are the stained glass windows and decorations in the upper chapel. Sainte-Chapelle as part of the Palais de la Cite (now the Palace of Justice). The main entrance into the lower chapel... Which is beautifully decorated in its own right (although it does show some wear and tear on the right side of the picture). This was designed to be used by the staff that worked in the palace, and their families. Not bad for the "common folks." A closer look at some of the lower chapel decorations. The upper chapel, designed for the king and his close friends , is a lot more lavish. The stained-glass windows are fantastic, As in the lower chapel, the ceiling is decorated to resemble stars. Lining the walls are sculptures of the Twelve Apostles. The stained-glass Windows are one of the main features that completely awed us... ...including this magnificent rose window. However, the main feature that garners everyone's attention, and the "raison d'etre" for the chapel, is the reliquyn on top of the high altar... This is where Louis IX had the Crown of Thorns kept ( which are now housed in the Notre Dame Cathedral Treasury room. While visiting Sainte-Chapelle, we also had the opportunity to visit the "Conciergerie". At the end of the 14th century, Charles V moved to the Hotel Saint Pol and left a steward - or concierge - to look after the Palais de la Cite and its prison. The Great Hall, at one time, had been used by the Royal Guards and the people who worked for the king (around 2000 folks). Part of this complex also housed the State Prison, which, following the revolution of 1790, was used by the Revolutionary Tribunal to hear arguments about those who had been accused of treason. Some 2700 prisoners were sent to the quillotine form here, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Part of the Palais de la Cite that housed the "Conciergerie" and the State Prison. On the outside wall facing towards Notre Dame Cathedral, is this elaborate clock. Constructed in 1371, this was France's first public clock and its purpose was "... So that the inhabitants of Paris would be able to regular their affairs day and night." The two sculptures on either side of clock face represent the law and justice. The Grand Hall was used by the 2000 or so folks who worked in the palace to have their meals. It was also used for large scale state banquets. Following the 1790 revolution, the Revoluntionary Tribunal held its trials here. Prisoners who were poor were lumped in cells like this, which were breeding grounds for disease. The more wealthy could rent private cells. One of the guards' rooms. Marie Antoinette's private cell (although it was not really so private, as she had guards constantly watching her. This room is dedicated to the 2700 persons sentenced to death at the quillotine following the revolution..... ...including Marie Antoinette.... ...and Luis XVI.
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Carl and Lorraine Aveni are two retirees planning on traveling through Europe for at least one year.
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