Whether churches inspire you or not, your thoughts will be elevated to a spiritual nature after viewing the Sainte-Chapel's 6,458 square feet of stained-glass windows, two-thirds of which are original. The panes on the Upper Chapel tell the biblical story of mankind from Creation through his Redemption through Christ. The sculpture in the Upper Chapel - statues of the Apostles - is located against the columns that mark off the bays. The windows are the main reason to visit the church, built from 1242-1248 under the direction of King Louis IX. The upper chapel was for the king's use and to display rare religious relics of Christ's Passion, including the Crown of Thorns. The lower chapel was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and served as the palace's parish church. During the French Revolution, the choir stalls and rood screen were destroyed, relics dispersed, the spire torn down and organ carried off to another church. Renovation of the church began in 1846, returning the church to the splendor exhibited today. The building housing the Sainte-Chapel, as well as the Conciergerie and now also the Paris law courts, was once the residence and the seat of power for French Kings during the tenth to the 14th centuries. Called the Palais de la Cité, it was the oldest palace of France's kings.
Greater
Miami is comprised of a diverse assortment of distinctive neighborhoods,
each with its own unique collection of attractions and hotels. Miami and the
Beaches offer an immense selection of distinctive lodging that can suit any
personality or budget. From the lavish hotels that line the streets of South
Beach ....more
Swissotel Chicago Hotel compares well with the 209 hotels in the city. An
excellent location. Delight in unrecorded piano Monday - Friday. In Chicago,
Overlooking Lake Michigan Swissotel Chicago can be found at 323 E. Wacker
Dr. Quaint and comfortable guestrooms .... more
