Sainte Chapelle

This 763-year-old church features 16 astounding stained-glass windows illustrating 1,134 Biblical scenes. It was originally the private chapel of Louis IX (1214-1270), who had his own access from what was then the royal palace.

Much shorter lines today at this site, which, unlike Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur, requires that all visitors pass though a security checkpoint complete with metal detector.

Visiting these centuries-old churches gives me renewed appreciation for architecture and building construction.