The Palace of Versailles

One of the things I love about reading historical fiction is the learning aspect. So, when I'm reading about a specific time and place I like to roam the internet, looking at pictures and reading more information on the places that I visit in my reading travels. Today, I am in Versailles with a young King Louis XV.

In 1624, Louis XIII, the king of France, began the building of a modest hunting lodge in the small village of Versailles. Well, as modest a lodge as one could expect from a French King. By moving the royal court and the seat of the French government, Louis XIV hoped to gain greater control of the government from the nobility, and to distance himself from the population of Paris.

Here are some interesting facts about Versailles:
  • Built chiefly by Louis Le Vau and Jules Hardouin-Mansart during the last half of the 17th century.
  • There are over 700 rooms housing up to 20, 000 nobleman before King Louis 16th was overthrown.
  • World War I was ended here with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
  • Housed all the Kings of France from 1682 until 1790
  • In 1685, 36 000 people and 6 000 horses were working on the construction of the 500 meters long palace which took altogether 50 years.
  • About 37,000 acres of land were cleared to make room for tree-lined terraces and flower plants.
  • The gardens had 1,400 fountains, set in a formal pattern of lawns and walks adjacent to the mile-long Grand Canal. The 240-foot-long Hall of Mirrors was lit by 3,000 candles.
  • Louis XIV: (1638 - 1715) "The Sun King" was the longest ruling monarch in European history ruling as absolute monarch from 1643-1715.
  • The Creation of the World Clock was originally intended for a ruler in India, but after seeing the beauty of it, Louis changed his mind and kept it for himself

4 comments:

  1. Versailles is such an amazing place! I would love too visit again.

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  2. I almost ordered Louis the Well Beloved the last time I ordered Plaidy books. I did recently read Madame du Barry, however, and it is an excellent read!

    I'd love to visit Versailles, but I think England would be first on my list if I were able to travel to Europe.

    ReplyDelete
  3. England has always been on the top of my list. I love castles and architecture, so I have a "Castle or Bust" trip that I have been planning forever! Now I just need Pearl Jam to tour England and then I will convince him to go overseas!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a great idea! I love how you're adding an educational component to your blog! I would love to visit Versailles someday.

    ReplyDelete

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