Sainte-Chapelle is among the high points of French High Gothic architecture.
The chapel built by Louis IX between 1241-1248 as a palace chapel to house the precious relic of the Crown of Thorns
which disappeared during the French Revolution.
Sainte-Chapelle is constructed on two levels,
the upper level standing upon a lower chapel which served as parish church for all the inhabitants of the palace, and the upper level for royalty.
This darker lower chapel shown here, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and contrasts with the glory of the stained glass in the upper church.