Palace Of Versailles In Paris

History of Palace of Versailles

The first structure of the Palace is credited to Louis XIII (1624), who built it as a lodge for hunting. Louis XIV later further expanded the lodge into a palace. Other sections were added over the years including the Chapel, which was completed in 1710. While the expansions began in 1661, the complete place was ready by 1715.

Gardens of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is surrounded by beautiful immaculate gardens, spread over 800 hectares. There are mesmerizing fountains in the garden as well as statues and vistas that circle the Palace.

Hall of Mirrors of Palace of Versailles

It is located at the center of the Palace, forming a gallery of 17 clad arches embedded with 17 mirrors. They reflect 17 windows of the Palace. The place is decorated by making use of 357 mirrors. The ceiling is decorated with ornamentations, which celebrate the king’s apotheosis, glitz bronzes, and polychrome marbles. These form the pinnacle of the Baroque art expression of France.

Architecture of Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is built on a vast area spreading up to 63,154 m2. The section of the Palace facing the east was constructed in a U-shaped format. The Dufour Pavilion, located to the South and the Gabriel Pavilion, located to the North form the Royal Court. Two asymmetrically humongous wings, which form a 402m façade, flank Cour Royale i.e. the Royal Court. The original part of the building is also preserved. The garden façade of the Palace holds the essence of the baroque style Italian villas, though it is cast in the classic French style. Enveloppe, a white ashlar stone was used to make the garden front.

Cour Royale (Court Room) of Palace of Versailles

It forms an apogee of the Palace’s royal architecture. Cour Royala or the Royal courtroom is made of black and white marbles. Having a capacity of 3,000 people, it seated the Kings as well as the queens and other diplomats, ministers etc. of the king’s dynasty.

Balcony and Clock of Palace of Versailles

At the center of the old building, is a royal iron balcony which has a clock whose hands were stopped post the death of King Louis XIV There are other balconies and stone tables surrounding it.

Royal Opera of Palace of Versailles

The Royal Opera is another famous room nested in the Palace, whose design was done by Ange-Jacques Gabriel in 1692-82. It forms a part of early Louis XVI architecture style. Approximately 1200 guests can be seated at a time in the Opera.

Other Rooms of Palace of Versailles

The Palace has 2,300 rooms, about 1250 fireplaces, over 2,000 windows and about 67 staircases.  Apart from the private rooms of the royals, the Palace also has public apartments. Besides, there are Salons named after Roman gods like Hercules, Mars etc. The bearing of Italian tradition is depicted in the Mural Baroque styled paintings. There is also the Chapel in the Palace called the Chapel of Versailles.

Palace of Versailles Facts

1) It was built by King Louis XIII in 1623 and enlarged into a royal palace by Louis XIV.

2) 1783 Peace of Paris Treaty and Treaty of Versailles were signed at the palace.

3) With an area of more than 2,014 acres, it is the largest royal domain in the world.

4) The palace was the center of political power from 1682 until 1789 but was almost destroyed during the French Revolution.