While our favorite pieces at the museum were painted on canvas, the next two stops on our itinerary showcased the magical characteristics of glass. Notre Dame Cathedral on the Ile de la Cite is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.
As a Catholic, it was an emotional experience to walk the aisles and corridors of this sacred building. Although, I suspect individuals are probably moved regardless of their faith. To say the space is inspirational would be a drastic understatement.
People from around the world gather here to pray and ask for guidance. Anh & I had a few special intentions of our own. Thousands of candles flickering in the dark represented the sorrow, joy, hope, and faith of the millions of people that have prayed on this site.
The stained glass windows were beyond beautiful and shined brilliantly in the dimly lit cathedral. The detail and craftsmanship were mind boggling actually!
We marveled at the stone arches and curved stone ceilings. These architectural elements would be impressive if constructed in modern time. It's hard to comprehend that construction on the cathedral actually began in the year 1163 and was completed in 1345. Amazing!
After exiting, we walked around to the back side of the cathedral to see the famous flying buttress structural supports. These arched supports were not included in the cathedral's original design, they were a necessary addition as the thin stone walls began to show stress fractures due to their extreme height.
As we made our way up the street and across the bridge to Ile Saint-Louis, we had one thing on our minds...Berthillon ice cream! Sure it can be found for sale throughout Paris, but it's EVERYWHERE on Ile Saint-Louis, and we were on a mission to try what is hailed as the "best" ice cream. Indeed, it was tasty! Yet, it wasn't the liquid gold it's made out to be. Oh well, the search continues.We crossed the bridge once again to Ile de la Cite and made our way towards Saint Chappelle, another prime example of Gothic architecture. Constructed in the courtyard of the royal palace, it was built to house King Louis IX's collection of precious relics of Christ which included the Crown of Thorns.
After passing through security equivalent to that found at Charles de Gaulle airport, we made our way into the chapel. I was shocked at how different it is from Notre Dame. Both Gothic in style, but this chapel was bright and colorful as opposed to dark and mystical. Both are as beautiful as they are different.
After admiring the lovely stained glass windows and browsing the extensive souvenir gift shop, we were about to exit when we noticed a small narrow staircase in the corner. We watched as others made their way up the stairs and followed their lead. I was shocked to discover this chapel at the top of the stairs!!!
Clearly, I did no research on Saint Chappelle prior to our visit. As beautiful as I considered the lower chapel that was merely for the palace staff. The towering second level was for the royals. Seeing the beautiful and intricate stained glass in person is mesmorizing. So, it was gut-wrenching to learn that the chapel was heavily damaged during the French Revolution. Most of the interior decoration seen today is a re-creation of the original. However, 2/3 of the stained glass is original.
After passing through security equivalent to that found at Charles de Gaulle airport, we made our way into the chapel. I was shocked at how different it is from Notre Dame. Both Gothic in style, but this chapel was bright and colorful as opposed to dark and mystical. Both are as beautiful as they are different.After admiring the lovely stained glass windows and browsing the extensive souvenir gift shop, we were about to exit when we noticed a small narrow staircase in the corner. We watched as others made their way up the stairs and followed their lead. I was shocked to discover this chapel at the top of the stairs!!!Clearly, I did no research on Saint Chappelle prior to our visit. As beautiful as I considered the lower chapel that was merely for the palace staff. The towering second level was for the royals. Seeing the beautiful and intricate stained glass in person is mesmorizing. So, it was gut-wrenching to learn that the chapel was heavily damaged during the French Revolution. Most of the interior decoration seen today is a re-creation of the original. However, 2/3 of the stained glass is original.The four of us sat in the chapel admiring it's beauty for quite a while. The color was absolutely hynotizing in the late afternoon sunlight. Eventually, we forced ourselves to our feet and back down the spiral staircase. It was time to go, but we certainly weren't ready to leave such brilliance behind. I have no doubt we'll one day make our way back!
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