Église Saint Sulpice & Sainte Chapelle

Certainly! Let's explore these two remarkable Parisian churches:
1. **Église Saint-Sulpice**:
- **Location**: Situated in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, Église Saint-Sulpice is a large Roman Catholic church.
- **Famous Features**:
- **Chapel of the Holy Angels**: Inside, you'll find magnificent murals by the renowned artist Eugène Delacroix.
- **Two Towers**: Église Saint-Sulpice is one of only two churches in Paris with two towers-the other being Notre-Dame.
- **History**: Commissioned by Louis IX (St. Louis), it was consecrated in 1248. The upper chapel housed precious relics, including the Crown of Thorns and a fragment of the True Cross.
- **Stained Glass Splendor**: The upper chamber dazzles with over 1,100 biblical scenes depicted in stained glass.
- **Restoration**: After a tumultuous history, including use as a grain storehouse during the French Revolution, it underwent restoration in the 19th century.
- **Today**: Open for tours and classical music concerts, Église Saint-Sulpice remains a gem of French Gothic architecture³⁷.
2. **Sainte-Chapelle**:
- **Location**: Nestled on the Île de la Cité in Paris, Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel in the Gothic style.
- **Jewel-Like Perfection**: Despite its smaller size compared to northern cathedrals, it's a masterpiece. Its jewel-like stained glass windows are unparalleled.
- **Louis IX's Vision**: Commissioned by Louis IX, it was designed to house sacred relics, including the Crown of Thorns and a fragment of the True Cross.
- **Two Levels**: The lower chapel served the royal palace staff, while the upper chapel-drenched in light from its myriad windows-held the precious relics.
- **Revival and Restoration**: Neglected over time, it was restored in the 19th century, thanks in part to Victor Hugo's advocacy.
- **Today**: Sainte-Chapelle welcomes visitors for tours and hosts classical music concerts, continuing to enchant with its Gothic splendor⁴⁵.
So, whether you're drawn to Delacroix's murals or the luminous stained glass, both these churches offer a glimpse into Paris's rich history and artistic heritage!