Is it possible to find another place as aesthetically harmonious as the Palace of Versailles ?! Its external design, the grace of the interior and the park area are made in the same style, the whole complex deserves to be strolled by representatives of the aristocracy. Every tourist will certainly feel the spirit of the times of the reign of kings, since it is easy to try on the role of a powerful autocrat, in whose power the whole country, on the palace and park territory. No photo is able to convey true grace, since every meter of this ensemble is thought out to the smallest detail.
Briefly about the Palace of Versailles
Probably, there are no people who do not know where the unique structure is. The famous palace is the pride of France and the most recognizable royal residence in the world. It is located near Paris and was previously a free-standing building with a park area. With the growing popularity of this place among the aristocracy around Versailles, numerous houses appeared, in which builders, servants, retinue and other people allowed to enter the court lived.
The idea of creating the palace ensemble belonged to Louis XIV, known as the "Sun King". He himself studied all the plans and pictures with sketches, made adjustments to them. The ruler identified the Palace of Versailles with a symbol of power, the most powerful and indestructible. Only the king could personify complete abundance, so luxury and wealth are felt in all the details of the palace. Its main façade stretches for 640 meters, and the park covers more than one hundred hectares.
Classicism, which was at the peak of popularity in the 17th century, was chosen as the main style. Several of the best architects were involved in the creation of this large-scale project, which went through several stages of construction. Only the most famous masters worked on the decoration inside the palace, the creation of engravings, sculptures and other values of art that still adorn it.
The history of the construction of the famous palace complex
It is difficult to say when the Palace of Versailles was built, since work on the ensemble was carried out even after the king settled in the new residence and held balls in exquisite halls. The building received the official status of a royal residence in 1682, but it is better to mention the history of the creation of a cultural monument in order.
Initially, since 1623, on the site of Versailles, there was a small feudal castle, where the royals with a small retinue were located while hunting in the local forests. In 1632, the possessions of the French kings in this part of the country were expanded by the purchase of a nearby estate. Small construction work was carried out near the village of Versailles, but a global restructuring began only with the coming to power of Louis XIV.
The Sun King became the ruler of France early and forever remembered the uprising of the Fronde, which was partly the reason that the residence in Paris caused unpleasant memories for Louis. Moreover, being young, the ruler admired the luxury of the castle of the Minister of Finance Nicolas Fouquet and wished to create the Palace of Versailles, surpassing the beauty of all existing castles, so that no one in the country would doubt the king's wealth. Louis Leveaux was invited to the role of the architect, having already established himself in the implementation of other large-scale projects.
We advise you to read about the Doge's Palace.
Throughout the life of Louis XIV, work was carried out on the palace ensemble. In addition to Louis Leveaux, Charles Lebrun and Jules Hardouin-Mansart worked on architecture; the park and gardens belong to the hand of André Le Nôtre. The main asset of the Palace of Versailles at this stage of construction is the Mirror Gallery, in which paintings alternate with hundreds of mirrors. Also during the reign of the Sun King, the Battle Gallery and the Grand Trianon appeared, and a chapel was erected.
In 1715, power passed to the five-year-old Louis XV, who, together with his retinue, returned to Paris and for a long time did not rebuild Versailles. During the years of his reign, the Salon of Hercules was completed, and the King's Small Apartments were created. A great achievement at this stage of construction is the erection of the Little Trianon and the completion of the Opera Hall.
Components of the palace and park zone
It is simply impossible to describe the sights of the Palace of Versailles, since everything in the ensemble is so harmonious and elegant that any detail is a real work of art. During excursions, you should definitely visit the following places:
At the front entrance to the territory of the palace complex, there is a gate made of gold, decorated with a coat of arms and a crown. The square in front of the palace is decorated with sculptures, which are also found inside the main room and throughout the park. You can even find a statue of Caesar, whose cult was appreciated by French craftsmen.
We should also mention the Versailles Park as it is an exceptional place, enchanting with its diversity, beauty and integrity. There are amazingly decorated fountains with musical arrangements, botanical gardens, greenhouses, swimming pools. Flowers are collected in unusual flower beds, and the shrubs are shaped every year.
Significant episodes in the history of Versailles
Although the Palace of Versailles was used as a residence for a short time, it played a significant role for the country - in the 19th century it received the status of a national museum, where numerous engravings, portraits and paintings were transported.
With the defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, the mansions became the property of the Germans. They chose the Hall of Mirrors to declare themselves the German Empire in 1871. The French were offended by the chosen place, so after the defeat of Germany in the First World War, when Versailles was returned to France, the peace treaty was signed in the same room.
Since the 50s of the 20th century, a tradition has emerged in France according to which all visiting heads of countries were to meet with the president at Versailles. Only in the 90s was it decided to abandon this tradition due to the great popularity of the Versailles Palace among tourists.
Interesting facts about the Palace of Versailles
Monarchs of other countries who visited the French landmark were amazed at the grace and luxury of the royal residence and often, upon returning home, tried to recreate no less refined palaces with similar architecture. Of course, you will not find a similar creation anywhere in the world, but many castles in Italy, Austria and Germany have some similarities. Even the palaces in Peterhof and Gatchina are made in the same classicism, borrowing a number of ideas.
It is known from historical descriptions that it was very difficult to keep secrets in the palace, since Louis XIV preferred to know what was on the minds of his courtiers in order to avoid conspiracies and uprisings. The castle has many hidden doors and secret passages, which were known only to the king and the architects who designed them.
During the reign of the Sun King, almost all decisions were made in the Palace of Versailles, because statesmen and close persons of the autocrat were here around the clock. To become part of the retinue, one had to reside in Versailles regularly and attend daily ceremonies, during which Louis often handed out privileges.
