Eiffle Tower (Paris)
Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris and likely the most recognizable landmark of the city. It was built by Gustave Eiffel for the World Exhibition of 1889 and it was never meant to be a permanent addition to the city's skyline. Initially the artists and writers of Paris expressed their strong disapproval in regards to the tower but later generations commended it. The figures are impressive (like the fact that it weights 7000 tons) but forget about them and try to enjoy the sight (you'll forget the numbers soon but you'll always remember the tower's profile on the Paris sky). Everyone wants to visit this landmark so expect the lines to be long (or arrive there early).
Sainte-Chapelle
I read in my travel guide that in the Middle Ages this church was likened to a "gateway to heaven"; once I got there I could see why with my own eyes. This is one of the most beautiful churches that I've seen in my life.
It was built in 1248 by Louis IX to house what was believed to be the crown of thorns from Christ's crucifixion and fragments of the true cross. The building is actually two chapels in one. The first floor chapel which was for servants and lower members of the court is beautiful with its flying buttresses but the upper chapel is infinite more striking. To get upstairs you have to climb a dark spiral staircase. Once you enter the chapel you'll be moved by the light that inundates the room created by the 15 magnificent stained glass windows separated by the narrowest columns. This chapel was for the king and important members of the court - I'm glad that simple folk like us can marvel at it today ;-) The church is approached through the court of Palais de Justice.
It was built in 1248 by Louis IX to house what was believed to be the crown of thorns from Christ's crucifixion and fragments of the true cross. The building is actually two chapels in one. The first floor chapel which was for servants and lower members of the court is beautiful with its flying buttresses but the upper chapel is infinite more striking. To get upstairs you have to climb a dark spiral staircase. Once you enter the chapel you'll be moved by the light that inundates the room created by the 15 magnificent stained glass windows separated by the narrowest columns. This chapel was for the king and important members of the court - I'm glad that simple folk like us can marvel at it today ;-) The church is approached through the court of Palais de Justice.
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