L'Île de la Cité (City Island) is a tiny island in the middle of the Seine, and the oldest part of Paris. The city is named after one of the Celtic tribes that first inhabited this area in the 3rd century BC, the Parisii. The island settlement was strategically located: it was easily defensible and was at a convenient river crossing on the route between southern and northern Gaul. Over the centuries, the city was developed by the Romans, Franks, and Capetians, and today the ancient buildings testify to the Medieval period of the city's history. Remains of the earliest buildings can still be found in an architectural excavation, in front of the iconic Notre-Dame cathedral.
The island is located between the Louvre, on the Right Bank, and the Latin Quarter on the Left. Connecting the western tip of the island to both shores is the Pont Neuf (New Bridge), which ironically is the oldest bridge in Paris. In 1578 however, it was the newest bridge in the city, and over the centuries has been immortalized in one of the most famous in Paris. Personally, I remember it from the Bourne Identity, where Jason Bourne sets up a meeting with Conklin from the CIA.
The interior is mind-blowing. In the Middle Ages, it was likened to the "gateway of heaven", and from the perspective of a person in the Middle Ages, this would have been the most beautiful thing they had ever seen. It seems almost impossible that there is that much glass in the walls, without the building falling down (especially for one so old). I can only imagine what it would look like on a sunny day, the chapel glowing like a kaleidoscope with the colored light streaming in from all sides. The ceiling is 50 ft. high, and studded with stars.
King Louis IX (later Saint Louis), who commissioned the chapel in the 13th century, had it built to house what is believed to be Christ's crown of thorns and a fragment of the True Cross (now in the treasury of the Notre-Dame cathedral). He paid more for the purchase of these holiest of relics from the Emperor of Constantinople than he did for the entire chapel, if you can believe it. Incredibly, the chapel was used as a warehouse after it was damaged in the Revolution, but was renovated a century later. Today it is a popular venue for classical music concerts, because of its acoustics and the incredible ambiance.
As we were leaving the cathedral on November 11th, dignitaries and military personnel were arriving for the Armistice Day service:
The island is located between the Louvre, on the Right Bank, and the Latin Quarter on the Left. Connecting the western tip of the island to both shores is the Pont Neuf (New Bridge), which ironically is the oldest bridge in Paris. In 1578 however, it was the newest bridge in the city, and over the centuries has been immortalized in one of the most famous in Paris. Personally, I remember it from the Bourne Identity, where Jason Bourne sets up a meeting with Conklin from the CIA.
The Passarelle des Arts bridge, see from the Quai du Louvre. Pont Neuf is the 2nd bridge in the picture, with l'Île de la Cité behind it.
As in many other European cities, it's tradition for couples getting married to lock a monogrammed lock to a bridge and toss the key into the river. What do they do if they get divorced, cut the lock off? (Cynical, I know, but I'm sure this problem has come up before). Passarelle des Arts, with the Pont Neuf and l'Île de la Cité in the background.
I think this building was part of the Palais de Justice, where the Paris courts are located. The island is also the location of the infamous Conciergerie prison - a beautiful name for a sinister looking prison- fortress, in use from 1391 to 1914. This was the main prison during the Revolution, where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution.
The Palais de Justice (more Tricouleurs!).
My favorite surprise during my trip to Paris was discovering the magnificent Sainte-Chapelle, a jewel of Gothic architecture and stained-glass craftsmanship. According to my guide book, "ethereal and magical, it has been hailed as one of the greatest architectural masterpieces in the Western world". So why haven't I heard of it before? In my opinion, this is the greatest treasure in Paris, much more worth visiting than the nearby Notre-Dame cathedral.
The exterior of Sainte-Chapelle. It's not obvious where it is, and the entrance is tucked around the corner, so make sure you mark it on your map.
The interior is mind-blowing. In the Middle Ages, it was likened to the "gateway of heaven", and from the perspective of a person in the Middle Ages, this would have been the most beautiful thing they had ever seen. It seems almost impossible that there is that much glass in the walls, without the building falling down (especially for one so old). I can only imagine what it would look like on a sunny day, the chapel glowing like a kaleidoscope with the colored light streaming in from all sides. The ceiling is 50 ft. high, and studded with stars.
Sainte-Chapelle, the upper chapel. You enter through the much less grand lower chapel used by servants and officials, and take a winding, narrow staircase up to the upper chapel, the preserve of the royal family and their courtiers.
The 15 giant windows tell the story of the Bible from Genesis, through the Crucifixion and the Apocalypse, over 1000 scenes in all.
Intricate medieval statuary and paintings.
King Louis IX (later Saint Louis), who commissioned the chapel in the 13th century, had it built to house what is believed to be Christ's crown of thorns and a fragment of the True Cross (now in the treasury of the Notre-Dame cathedral). He paid more for the purchase of these holiest of relics from the Emperor of Constantinople than he did for the entire chapel, if you can believe it. Incredibly, the chapel was used as a warehouse after it was damaged in the Revolution, but was renovated a century later. Today it is a popular venue for classical music concerts, because of its acoustics and the incredible ambiance.
Random shot - the Metro Cité stop. I love how decorative many of the metro signs are.
The most famous sight in Île de la Cité is one of the best-known churches in the world, Notre-Dame cathedral. Built on the site of a Roman temple, the cathédrale epitomizes the Gothic architecture period. Commissioned in 1159, it took 200 years to build and has borne witness to many pivotal events in the nation's history since then. Kings and Emperors were crowned here (and in Napoleon's case, he crowned himself). During the Revolution, when the Church was abolished, the cathedral was desecrated and renamed the Temple of Reason. The famous gargoyles were in fact added in the 18th century Neo-gothic period. Today they appear almost comical in their grotesque expressions. A good movie to watch before visiting: Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Or, if you have a lot of time on your hands, you can read the original book by Victor Hugo, who also lived in Paris.
Notre-Dame Cathedral, west facade. I stupidly forgot to walk around back to see the flying buttresses, which span an incredible 50 ft. This allowed the architects to use such large windows, by taking pressure off the walls. You can be sure I will add some photos of them the next time I visit Paris.
Gargoyles!
Portal of the Virgin, surrounded by 13th century statues of saints and kings (in very good condition).
The interior is very dark, despite the many stained-glass windows. It's quite a large church, and the soaring ceiling and long shadows give it a solemn and ancient character.
The South Rose Window, 43 ft high.
As we were leaving the cathedral on November 11th, dignitaries and military personnel were arriving for the Armistice Day service:
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