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The Sainte-Chapelle was built in the thirteenth century by King Louis IX. This royal chapel and reliquary (a shrine to hold religious relics) was originally connected to Louis IX’s palace. The adjoining present-day Palace of Justice is all that remains of the 13^th century palace.

It is a must stop for any Paris visitor. I can see why it is so famous because it is so extravagant! The transcendent beauty of colored light coming in from the stained glass windows and the richly colored and sculpted surfaces make you feel as if you are in a royal jewel box. The stained glass windows that soar up to the ceiling are encased in delicate gothic ribs. How these windows and narrow ribs hold up this tall structure seem impossible and gives the chapel an ethereal presence.

The rest of the ornate interior of carved figures and architectural elements are gilded and decorated with rich patterned surfaces. All the smooth surfaces between the sculptural elements are painted with unrestrained and highly decorative religious motifs matching the motifs of the stained glass and sculptures.

This religious imagery and sumptuous decoration was a visual feast and certainly a monumental achievement by man to build and to then restore and maintain for over 750 years. I so appreciated the statuary and imagery that reminds us of God’s Word and work on earth.

In the midst of this exquisite interior that was so rich and lovely, I was reminded that no matter how great the efforts and the results of man to create a place for God to dwell – it is still just a building made by the human hands and the only place that God dwells is in our hearts.