Sacred Spaces
The Quiet Awe of Parisian Church Interiors
My photographs can’t fully capture the awe I felt entering some of Paris’ historic churches for the first time. On the Saturday we arrived, Tina and I attended an evening string quartet concert at Sainte Chapelle on Île de la Cité. Set against a stunning backdrop of vivid-colored stained glass windows and intricately adorned Gothic walls and ceilings, we were moved to tears upon hearing the first few notes of the violins and cello.
At Eglise St. Germain des Prés, 19th-century painter Hippolyte Flandrin’s frescoes and intricate wall and column patterns added vibrant color to the blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque architecture. Meanwhile, at Eglise Saint-Séverin, one of the oldest churches in the Latin Quarter, my gaze was drawn upward to its lofty, vaulted ceilings.
The vast scale and quiet interiors evoked a sense of peace and quiet reflection. At each church, I bowed and offered a silent prayer of gratitude for being there and for carrying my family through a difficult year.
As I wandered around, I found myself drawn to less-traveled spots, like the church’s side aisles or behind the main altar. These areas were more interesting to photograph, offering unique perspectives compared to the more familiar vantage points.
I was also captivated by the details and craftsmanship that took years—sometimes decades—to complete. That these buildings have been destroyed and rebuilt, withstood wars, revolutions, and natural disasters is a testament to their resilience and timeless beauty.
Oh, and the radiant light that filled these sacred spaces—from towering stained-glass windows to domed skylights—was simply awe-inspiring.
See you all next Sunday!
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I totally understand that feeling of not being able to capture the essence, especially in such grandiose spaces where light is magical. Your photos are divine, though!
Stella, these images are stunning. I can’t believe how you captured all these intricate details in your black and white images. Beautiful work!