While we were in the Basilica of Sant Denis, the sun had come out, fortunately. As we left, I said, "Let's make it a stained glass day and go to San Chapelle." I did not make the famous chapel on either of my previous visits. In 2000 it was overcast much of the time. We had been having overcast skies this trip, so it seemed good to go now that we had sunlight and time to spare.
Unfortunately half the chapel is covered over, as its windows are being restored. And, by the time we made it, we only had direct sunlight on half of the wall. All this means that I must return sometime, probably during the summer, when there is bright sunlight bathing the building.
This chapel was built by Saint Louis to house the holy relics -- a piece of the cross and the crown of the thorns. It is a jewel box.
After the visit we enjoyed beer at a cafe across the street.
The absolute beauty of San Chapelle is that it is an engineering feat. Not only a picture of beauty, but one to marvel at. At the time, no other builder had put so much glass (and so little structure) into a building that tall. Magnificent.
Posted by: Danny | November 19, 2012 at 12:02 PM