Colors of My Heart

​■ ​​​​Sainte-Chapelle : A Masterpiece of Gothic Architecture

​​​​Sainte-Chapelle is a stunning Gothic-style chapel located on Île de la Cité in Paris, France. It was built in the 13th century by King Louis IX (Saint Louis) to house sacred relics, including the "Crown of Thorns" of Christ. Originally serving as a royal chapel, it is now world-famous for its breathtaking stained glass windows.

​​​​​The chapel's most remarkable feature, as you can see in photographs, is its fifteen towering stained glass panels, each reaching a height of 15 meters. These windows depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments, with dominant shades of red, blue, and gold that create a mesmerizing play of light throughout the day. The morning sunlight, in particular, enhances their brilliance, making early visits highly recommended. The effect of the light filtering through the stained glass at this time is truly magical, leaving an unforgettable impression on visitors.

​​​​​Architecturally, Sainte-Chapelle is divided into two levels. The Upper Chapel, reserved for royalty and nobility, features walls almost entirely made of stained glass, while its ceiling is painted deep blue and adorned with golden stars, resembling the heavens. In contrast, the Lower Chapel, used by commoners and palace staff, is more modest in design. However, its red and gold motifs create a warm and elegant atmosphere, offering a different yet equally enchanting experience.

​​​Throughout its history, Sainte-Chapelle faced the threat of destruction, particularly during the French Revolution, but it miraculously survived. In the 19th century, the renowned architect Viollet-le-Duc led its restoration, preserving its original splendor. Today, it stands within the premises of the Palais de Justice and remains a must-visit site for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

​​Recognized as one of the greatest masterpieces of Gothic architecture, Sainte-Chapelle is a must-see when visiting Paris, alongside Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum. The interplay of color and light within this sacred space transports visitors back to the medieval era, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the French royal court.


■ For photography enthusiasts

​​​Although the chapel is not particularly large, I found myself taking over 100 photographs during my visit. I had never seen stained glass this magnificent before. Capturing the full expanse of the windows requires a super wide-angle lens—a standard zoom lens with a 24mm focal length was still not enough, while 17mm finally provided a satisfactory field of view. A fast ultra-wide zoom lens is an absolute must for photography enthusiasts!



Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / ​​f3.2 / 1/160s / ISO1600 / -1.3



Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / ​​f3.2 / 1/400s / ISO1600 / -1.3



Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / ​​f3.2 / 1/200s / ISO1600 / -0.3



Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / ​​f3.2 / 1/160s / ISO1600 / -1.3



Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / ​​f3.2 / 1/320s / ISO1600 / -0.3



Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / ​​f3.2 / 1/400s / ISO1600 / -1.3



Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / ​​f3.2 / 1/320s / ISO1600 / -1.3



Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / ​​f3.2 / 1/50s / ISO1600 / -1.3



Nikon D850 / AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED / ​​f6.3 / 1/8000s / ISO1600 / -0.3


■ Taken on 15th Feb 2025 by following equipment.

Nikon D850​

Nikon｜ニコン D850 デジタル一眼レフカメラ ブラック D850 [ボディ単体][D850] 価格：377,810円（税込、送料別) (2025/1/28時点) 楽天で購入

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED​

【1/24~29限定!最大4,000円OFF&1/,25限定で最大P3倍】【中古】ニコン Nikon 超広角ズームレンズ Ai AF-S Zoom Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED フルサイズ対応 価格：86,800円（税込、送料無料) (2025/1/28時点) 楽天で購入

■ Travel Guide

【中古】Sainte Chapelle (Version Japonaise) (la) 価格：1,976円（税込、送料無料) (2025/2/24時点) 楽天で購入

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