You may recognize some of the incredible photos of the Palace of Versailles, like the famous Hall of Mirrors or the massive view of the backside of the building. But how many of these facts did you know? (Plus, enjoy these fabulous photos of the Palace while you ponder the trivia.)
1. The Humble Beginnings: A Hunting Lodge
The Palace of Versailles was originally built as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII in 1623.
2. The Royal Transformation: From Lodge to Palace
Louis XIV transformed the lodge into a grand palace, adding the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Grand Apartments, and the Queen’s Grand Apartments.
3. The Heart of a Nation: Versailles as France’s Epicenter
Versailles was the political and cultural center of France from 1682 to 1789.
4. A Horticultural Masterpiece: The Palace Gardens
Louis XIV commissioned the construction of the palace’s famous gardens, which took 40 years to complete.
5. Reflections of History: The Hall of Mirrors
The palace’s Hall of Mirrors was used as a backdrop for the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I in 1919.
6. Royal Birthplace
The Palace of Versailles was the birthplace of Louis XV.
7. Home to Many
The palace was home to Louis XIV’s court and government, which consisted of thousands of people.
8. And Room for a Queen
Marie Antoinette’s famous hamlet, a rustic retreat in the palace’s gardens, was built for her in 1783.
9. Prisoners of the Palace
Many royal family members were imprisoned at the palace during the French Revolution.
10. Hall of Battles
Versaille’s famous Hall of Battles, which features paintings depicting famous battles in French history, was added during the reign of Louis-Philippe.
11. A Night to Remember: The Royal Ball
Versailles was the site of the famous royal ball in 1670, which Louis XIV and his court attended.
12. Royal Move
Louis XIV moved the royal court to Versailles to assert control over the French nobility.
13. Napoleon’s Move
Napoleon saved the palace from being destroyed during the French Revolution and then used it as his residence.
14. Again With the Hall of Mirrors
The elaborate Hall of Mirrors was used for important state ceremonies, including the coronation of Napoleon.
15. More Perfect Gardens
The palace’s famous gardens were designed by André Le Nôtre and feature perfectly manicured lawns, fountains, and flower beds.
16. A Retreat for the Mistresses
The palace’s Grand Trianon was built as a retreat for Louis XIV and his mistresses.
17. Private Retreat
Marie Antoinette used the palace’s Petit Trianon as a private retreat.
18. Famous Fountains
A hydraulic pump powered the famous fountains at Versailles, which was considered a technological marvel at the time.
19. Royal Chapel
The palace’s Chapel was built for royal weddings and other important religious ceremonies.
20. UNESCO Site
The Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors each year.
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This article was produced by Our Woven Journey.
Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist, focused on discovering destinations and experiences that captivate and inspire others through her writing. She is also the founder of Our Woven Journey, a travel site focused on inspiring others to create memory-making adventures with their loved ones. Karee is passionate about encouraging others to step out of their comfort zone and live the life they dream of. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. You can learn more about Karee on her about me page.