Versailles, France

The famous Versailles (France) is a small village that is 24 kilometers away from Paris . Initially, Louis XIII chose this area for the construction of a small hunting castle. It was here that the French king planned to enjoy his favorite pastime - hunting. So it was until his son, the legendary Louis XIV, who had far more ambitious intentions, decided to turn the modest castle in Versailles into a palace and park ensemble of unprecedented luxury. Thus, in 1661 the history of the creation of Versailles began, which is a landmark of Paris even today.

History of the palace and park ensemble

During the years 1661-1663, a huge sum was spent on construction, which was the reason for the protests of the king's treasurers. However, the Sun King did not stop this. For several decades construction was building, to which thousands of workers were employed. The first architect of Versailles is Louis Levo. Then he was succeeded by Jules Ardouin-Mont-sar, who led the construction work for three decades. The design of the Park of Versailles was entrusted by the king to Andre Leno Tru. It is difficult to call this work of landscape art an ordinary park. Here architect built a lot of basins, grottos, fountains and cascades. In the park, decorated with various sculptures, the Parisian nobility enjoyed the plays of Moliere and Racine, the wonderful operas of Lully. The whole Versailles complex was a grandiose in size and luxury scene. Later this tradition was continued by Maria Antoinette, who built the theater here. The royal lady herself loved to play in it.

Today Versailles parks occupy an area of ​​101 hectares. There are numerous observation platforms, promenades, alleys. The territory of the palace and park complex also has its own Grand Canal. It is a whole system of channels. That's why it is called "little Venice".

The building itself Versailles Palace strikes the imagination of tourists its size is not less. The park facade in length reaches 640 meters, and the Mirror Gallery, which is located in its center, has a length of 73 meters. Such dimensions could not but affect the attitude of the subjects to the Sun King. Around him was always a semi-divine atmosphere, and Louis XIV carefully cultivated it, enjoying its own greatness.

In 1682 the Palace of Versailles acquired the status of a permanent royal residence. All the staff of the court soon moved here. Here a specific court etiquette was formed, distinguished by a strict code of conduct. This was not the end of the change in Versailles. After the death of the Sun King in 1715, Louis XV, his son and heir, commissioned the construction of the Opera House and the famous Little Trianon, a miniature elegant castle, where Maria Antoinette later lived, the court architect Jacques Anjou Gabriel. The next king of France added to the castle also an elegant library in architectural forms. However, the course of history will not change: October 1789 for the palace became fatal, and some buildings did not survive.

How to get there?

Versailles Castle for tourists is open at a certain time. So, from May to September, its doors are open from 9.00 to 17.30. You can enjoy the types of working fountains from July to September on Saturdays and from April to October on Sundays.

You can get to Versailles either by private transport, or by train, metro and bus. From the central Parisian station the road will take about twenty to thirty minutes. About how to get to Versailles, you will also be prompted by numerous pointers.

It is worth noting that the famous Peterhof, located in the suburbs of St. Petersburg , was created in the likeness of Versailles.