Designed in the middle of the 13th century as a monumental reliquary, the beautiful Sainte-Chapelle housed the Christ’s Crown of Thorns. This church is as beautiful as that crown was painful. You'll be awestruck by the towering ceilings, the ceremonial staircase, and the epic stained glass windows - which tell the story of the history of the world. All this medieval beauty, in the heart of Paris's Palais de la Cité.

Located on the Île de la Cité, this impressive and intimate chapel, consecrated on 26 April 1248, is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Built in just 7 years, the Sainte-Chapelle remains an important building for both religious and political reasons. The medieval Palais de la Cité was the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century and you can really feel the history here. Having Christ's Crown of Thorns, and other sacred relics, made powerful monarch Saint Louis the top dog of Western Christianity.

The panes in all 15 of those amazing windows depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments, all of which recount the story of the world, right up until the arrival of the relics in Paris. There's nothing as pretty as seeing the light stream through those 15-meter high windows onto the chapel floor on a sunny day.

Additional Information

• Admission is free to visitors under the age of 18
• Kindly note that there is a mandatory security check for all visitors
• Big bags and suitcases aren’t allowed inside and there are no lockers available
• Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Operating Hours

FROM 2 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH
Open every day
9.00-17.00

FROM 1ST APRIL TO 30 SEPTEMBER
Open every day
9.00-19.00

FROM 1ST OCTOBER TO 31 DECEMBER
Open every day
9.00-17.00

What You Get

Includes

• Entrance to Sainte-Chapelle

Excludes

• Personal expenses
• Optional activity fees
• Entrance to the Conciergerie