Saturday, April 7, 2012

Sainte Chappelle

The travel posts kick off here with one of the oldest sites we visited in Paris, the magnificent 12th century Sainte Chappelle.  These are not necessarily the best photos I took on the trip (it was very dim inside and I didn't schlep a tripod with me..that camera is heavy enough!).  One of my goals of our trip was to see the stained glass at Chartres.  Due to illness, we didn't make that day trip out of Paris, so I insisted we substitute in Sainte Chapelle.

Sainte Chappelle ceiling, Paris
A fine Gothic ceiling

Built in only 6 years for King Louis IX* so that he could showcase his purchase of the Crown of Thorns, the entire church appears made of glass. The late afternoon light was bright enough to illuminate the panels, but to be inside on a sunny day in the height of summer would be truly amazing.  Each of the 15 stained glass panels depict Biblical stories.

Sainte Chappelle, Paris

The alter was very ornate and accessed by two spiral staircases: one for the King, the other for the Priest. Louis made sure he'd tower well above his court, worshiping below.  

Sainte Chappelle alter, Paris

The floor was well worth a study, too!

Sainte Chappelle floor, Paris Sainte Chappelle floor, Paris 

I was fascinated in each cathedral we visited with the ornate carvings, glasswork and woodwork. Not to mention the locks, window latches and doorknobs (mosaic of those detail shots is in the works).

Sainte Chappelle, Paris

It was hard to photograph the stained glass so high up on the walls with a hand-held camera, but here's one detail shot.

Sainte Chappelle, Paris

Which leads me to my latest thread collection for Lynne's Aurifil Designer Thread contest.  I swear, I can't stop! May I present the Sainte Chappelle Collection:

Sainte Chappelle Stained Glass collection by Poppyprint

*NOTE: Our Paris guidebook of choice was Rick Steve's Paris 2012. An excellent book small enough to take along every day, but packed with information, hand drawn maps, fantastic walking tours, great restaurant & market recommendations, not to mention top tips for avoiding lineups and bored kids.  When I write details about the age of certain monuments, who built them, what they were for..etc. all of that info is courtesy of Rick. He really did his homework.




27 comments:

Jo Ann said...

Love the pics anfd the picks! Another useable box of thread!

monika@mysweetprairie.ca said...

Wowzer. Those buildings are SO ornate. Unbelievable!
I bet you took a zillion pics. lol
~Monika in Saskatoon

Susan said...

Lovely pictures bringing back memories of Paris! Also love the thread selection! I really should do one of these! They look like a lot of fun!

Angela said...

that first ceiling shot is amazing! Boy they really knew how to build things well back in the day.

Heather D. said...

Wow, stunning. Have never seen anything like that in person....maybe someday.

felicity said...

Ricky boy (as we affectionately called him) was our guide through Paris and Tuscany. Excellent restaurant recommendations and fabulous museum/art gallery notes. LOVE him.

And LOVE the photos.

Pamela said...

Rick Steves made my trip to Paris a great learning experience as well! Awesome audioguides for your phone or ipod, too. We saw Sainte Chapelle on a rainy day, and the alter was covered for renovations, so I am totally jealous. Love your pictures (and the thread, too!).

dutchcomfort said...

I’ve been to Paris quite some times, but I have never seen such beautiful pictures Krista! Can’t wait to see more!

Christelle said...

They are "cleaning" Chartres for the moment (didn't take any picture 3 months ao) and the Sainte Chapelle is much nicer so no regrets!

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

Fabulous pictures! I too visit churches wherever I go.

Karen M said...

Don't apologize for your pics. I think they are great. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your wonderful trip.

Katie said...

Oh my goodness, those are gorgeous pictures! That must really be amazing to see!

Tiffany said...

I loved Sainte Chappelle when I was studying abroad - did you get to go up top to the second level? We got to wander around a bit, it is so beautiful! That was almost 10 years ago... would love to go back one day.

Kristie said...

Those photos are amazing! Love the ceiling and all that stained glass.....gorgeous.

Leanne said...

What a place, your pictures are great, I love that ceiling! I need to buy the book, I am going to Paris for one day in June.

Cynthia F said...

Beautiful!!! I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who was checking out doorhandles & latches while there- lol! Rick Steves is awesome- and fun to read too!!

CitricSugar said...

Ooh la la! This is so not helping my "I want to be in Europe right now" problem. :-)

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

Bring on the holiday pics - wonderful!
Happy Easter xxx

Dianne said...

Lovely images Krista. I particularly like the third photo, the alter seems to be glowing from within. They appear to have done great things with available light. Am going to pop over and see what you had to say about this latest collection of threads, tres bon!

PinkGranny said...

Gorgeous! Welcome home, it is great to read your lovely blog again. I love these glimpses into your vacation and the thread collection is outstanding!

Tracey Jacobsen said...

Hi Krista! I can't believe you're already back... that went fast! Beautiful pics my friend... :)

Kirsty @ Bonjour Quilts said...

Incredible, that stained glass. Wonder if he bought the real Crown of Thorns or if he was taken for a ride?

ayumills said...

I've missed you, Krista! Those are such beautiful pictures of Chapel.The ceiling is incredible!

Looking forward to more of your travel posts ;)

Nicola said...

Gorgeous photos. Another Paris site I still haven't visited but it's only twenty minutes away so I will go soon!!

Unknown said...

Those stain glass windows are just WOW. Can you imagine designing those?!!! Crazy crazy stuff!

Live a Colorful Life said...

Beautiful photographs. I will probably never make it to France so I will totally enjoy your photos.Thanks!

Andrea C said...

Wow - amazing