Sainte-Chapelle

After a pleasant rest in the solitude of Delacroix's garden, we felt our second wind, and decided to go for the hat trick, three sites in a day, something we rarely do now in our dotage. European Heritage Days no doubt had something to do with it. The third site was Sainte-Chapelle, the royal chapel in the Capetian palace area of the Ile de la Cite, dating to the 1240s, commissioned by Louis IX to house his collection of holy relics (bought at a big discount from Baldwin II, emperor of Constantinople), that is one of the greatest gems of Gothic architecture. Of course, we have seen it before, more than once, as well as its siblings at Saint-Germaine-en-Laye and Vincennes. Sainte-Chapelle is one of those places that, at the right time of day and season, never fails to amaze, even transport. We hit the time (late afternoon) and season (not winter) just about right. There was a line, but it moved quickly. For a fuller view, see the above posts.

We always skip the bargain basement (for courtiers, 
palace employees, hangers-on) and head directly for
the upper floor, for royal use only (and close personal
buds)

The windows and light are always glorious

Rose window at the stern

Revelation 

Definitely Revelation

Outside, the sculptural program is a Judgement

Hell is in the archivolt, Vicki observed (her Southern Baptist
upbringing has given her special insight)

Downstairs not obscured by gift shoppe and 
turbuss mob

Spare parts

An Annunciation, said to be the oldest fresco in Paris

Why the north windows are never as well lit as the south...well,
latitude has much to do with it, but the Conciergerie building 
almost flush next door doesn't help