If you’re on the lookout for somewhere luxurious to learn some history and spend your time in Paris, then the Palace of Versailles could be right up your street. Cemented as an official royal residence of the 17th century, the building grew and prospered beyond the small hunting cabin it was meant to be to the glorious and extravagant château it is today. We’re dedicating today’s post to delving into the history of the palace itself, as well as 10 facts that you may not have known about Versailles.

Versailles

History of the Palace of Versailles

Built in 1624, the Palace of Versailles is a royal château built in what eventually came to be the city of Versailles. It was initially built as a small hunting lodge but has had considerable expansions since that time. King Louis XIV was in charge of the construction of the Palace of Versailles, whose motivation was to out-do the Vaux-le-Vicomte, which was built for Nicolas Fouquet, interim ruler of France at the time. Versailles was then established as the symbol of aristocracy in France. King Louis XIV often invited the nobles to stay at Versailles, with the aim of reducing their power and gaining direct rule over France. Despite the luxurious and wealth that came with the Palace, it cost almost a quarter of France’s national income to maintain everything within it. Quite the commitment, don’t you agree?

Versailles

Facts About the Palace of Versailles

  • In French, it’s known as Château de Versailles.
  • The Hall of Mirrors within the palace has a total of 357 mirrors.
  • Everything used to construct and decorate the Palace was created in France.
  • At the time of the palace’s construction, Venice had a monopoly on making mirrors. To combat this, the Venetian artisans were lured to France.
  • After their mirror-making secrets had been revealed, the Venetians ordered for the assassination of the mirror-makers.
  • Versailles really went all out on the luxury in the palace – even the chamber pots were made from silver.
  • Both Peace of Paris treaties were signed at Versailles.
  • The treaty that ended World War I, the Treaty of Versailles, was signed within the depths of the Hall of Mirrors.
  • The Museum of the History of France” was founded in Versailles during the 19th
  • The gardens of Versailles covered more than 30,000 acres, homing 400 sculptures and 1,400 fountains.

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