Why is Sainte-Chapelle so famous?

Sainte-Chapelle is known worldwide for having one of the largest and most impressive sets of 13th-century stained glass. When you stand inside, the high windows throw a bright mix of purple, red, and blue around the space.

King Louis IX built the chapel in the 1240s. He wanted it to be a huge reliquary. It was meant to keep his Passion relics, especially the Crown of Thorns. The building follows the Rayonnant Gothic style. Stone is used less than you might expect. Instead, the walls make room for 15 large glass sections. They rise up towards the vaulted ceiling. Because of this, the upper chapel can feel like it is made mostly of light and colour.