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Six curiosities you may not know about the Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is an ancient and grandiose residence of the Bourbons of France located in the town of Versailles, in the Yvelines department, about 15 kilometres west of Paris.
Versailles, apart from being a structure, is famous as a symbol of the absolute power of the French monarchy during the Ancien Régime period. Indeed, it remained the seat of power of the transalpine royals until the start of the French Revolution in 1789.
Among its architectural beauties are rooms that have entered the collective imagination, such as the Hall of Mirrors and the Royal Theatre commissioned by Marie Antoinette. But there are many mysteries and curiosities that this splendid palace holds within it.
Di ToucanWings - Opera propria, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=285053
Six curiosities you may not know about the Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is an ancient and grandiose residence of the Bourbons of France located in the town of Versailles, in the Yvelines department, about 15 kilometres west of Paris. Versailles, apart from being a structure, is famous as a symbol of the absolute power of the French monarchy during the Ancien Régime period. Indeed, it remained the seat of power of the transalpine royals until the start of the French Revolution in 1789. Among its architectural beauties are rooms that have entered the collective imagination, such as the Hall of Mirrors and the Royal Theatre commissioned by Marie Antoinette. But there are many mysteries and curiosities that this splendid palace holds within it.
By G CHP - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12214780
It is not the largest building in the world
The Palace of Versailles covers 8,150,265 square metres (87,728,720 square feet), or 2014 acres. It has 67,002 square metres (721,206 square feet) of covered area. Nevertheless, it is not the largest palace in the world. The Summer Palace in China and the Parliament in Bucharest are larger in size and area, but Versailles is the largest palace ever built for a royal family.
Di ToucanWings - Opera propria, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=285053
It was not meant to be this big
The Palace of Versailles was originally built as a small, single hunting pavilion for Louis XIII in 1623, but was later transformed into one of the largest and most luxurious royal residences in the world by Louis XIV, the Sun King. His descendants also continued to expand the gardens and especially the royal flats, making the palace the centre of French power.
Di Jean-Christophe BENOIST - Opera propria, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?cur
The people hated Versailles
In the intentions of the royal family, the palace of Versailles was to be a source of pride for all the French people. However, the common people lived in poverty, without food and overwhelmed by the taxes the government imposed. Consequently, it was frowned upon by the population, who considered the lifestyle of the royals as outrageous and extravagant.
The artworks of Versailles
The palace has an extensive art collection, including paintings, sculptures and valuable furniture. Some of the best known masterpieces housed at Versailles include 'The Music Lesson' by Jean-Marc Nattier and 'The Wedding at Cana' by Paolo Veronese. Unfortunately, many works of art were lost or destroyed in the looting that followed the French Revolution, and the neglect into which the palace fell in the subsequent period.
The Hall of Mirrors
One of the most famous sights in all of Versailles is the famous Hall of Mirrors, known and admired throughout the world. The room is 73 metres long and contains 357 mirrors that reflect light from 17 opposing windows.
By Starus - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15943508
The theater opened at the wedding of Marie Antoinette
This wonderful theatre was inaugurated on 16 May 1770 to celebrate the marriage of the French dauphin Louis to Archduchess Marie Antoinette of Habsburg-Lorraine. Lully's 'Persée', written in 1682, the year Louis XIV decided to move his court to Versailles, was played at that ceremony. To this day, the Opéra is still used for theatrical performances and concerts, as there is room inside for 712 seated persons, or it also serves as a ballroom by flattening the orchestra pit, thus accommodating 1200 people.
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15/06/2024
During a visit to Barcelona, among the many sights available, one cannot fail to pay a visit to Casa Battlò, perhaps the most unique residence in the world. In fact, its architecture is absolutely unique, and it is one of the most famous sights in Spain.
Entirely renovated at the beginning of the 20th century by the great architect Antoni Gaudi, it is located at number 43 Passeig de Gràcia and is considered one of the architect's most original creations. Since 2005, the house has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Since the 1990s, the building has been in the hands of its current owners, the Bernat family, who have completely reformed it.
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10/06/2024
The Colosseum in Rome, the ancient arena where jousts, gladiator fights and theatrical performances took place, is the most famous monument in Italy, the one that immediately comes to mind when talking about the Belpaese.
Its history and the legends surrounding this marvellous building, much changed over the centuries, are steeped in the soul of Italy, with its contradictions, its problems but also its beauty.
Despite being one of the world's most famous and well-known sights, without a doubt some things you will not know, and you will be surprised by the curiosities surrounding its stones.