Relics of Sainte-Chapelle

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Relics of Sainte-Chapelle are a collection of Christian relics that were housed in the Sainte-Chapelle, a royal chapel in the Gothic style within the medieval Palais de la Cité, the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century, located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris. The chapel was commissioned by King Louis IX of France, who is also known as Saint Louis, in the 13th century to house the precious relics he acquired from the Byzantine Empire. The Sainte-Chapelle is renowned for its architectural beauty, particularly its stained glass windows that depict various biblical scenes and saints, including those related to the relics it once contained.

History

The construction of the Sainte-Chapelle began around 1238 and was completed in 1248, a remarkably short period for the time. It was designed to house the collection of relics Louis IX had purchased, which included what was believed to be the Crown of Thorns, a piece of the True Cross, and various other artifacts associated with the Passion of Jesus. The acquisition of these relics was intended to both affirm the divine right of the French monarchy and establish Paris as a second Jerusalem, a major Christian pilgrimage site.

Relics

The most significant relics housed in the Sainte-Chapelle included:

• The Crown of Thorns: Considered the most prestigious of the relics, it was purportedly worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion.
• A fragment of the True Cross: Believed to be a piece of the cross upon which Jesus was crucified.
• The Holy Lance: The lance that, according to tradition, was used to pierce the side of Jesus during his crucifixion.
• Various other relics associated with the Passion of Jesus, including a piece of the Holy Sponge, the Holy Nails, and the Holy Lance.

Architecture

The Sainte-Chapelle is divided into two levels: the lower chapel, which served as the parish church for the royal household, and the upper chapel, which housed the relics. The upper chapel is particularly noted for its impressive stained glass windows, which are considered among the finest examples of 13th-century Gothic art. The windows depict a range of biblical stories and were designed to narrate the history of the world from the Creation to the Last Judgment, with a special emphasis on the Passion of Christ, reflecting the chapel's primary function as a reliquary.

Preservation and Legacy

Over the centuries, the Sainte-Chapelle has undergone various restorations to preserve its structure and artworks, especially after damages during the French Revolution. Although many of the original relics were dispersed or lost during the revolution, the chapel remains a significant monument in Paris, attracting visitors from around the world. It is not only a testament to the religious fervor and artistic achievement of the Middle Ages but also a symbol of the deep historical and cultural heritage of France.

The relics of the Sainte-Chapelle continue to be venerated in various locations, with the Crown of Thorns now housed in the Notre-Dame de Paris until the fire in April 2019, after which it was moved for safekeeping.

See Also

• Louis IX of France
• Gothic architecture
• Crusades
• Christianity in the Middle Ages
• Notre-Dame de Paris