The Royal Chapel of Versailles is a must-see attraction for both architecture enthusiasts and music lovers. Completed in the early 1700s, the chapel’s architecture is to be appreciated for its quality in Gothic and Baroque influences. Precisely designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart featuring buttresses, glass windows, and vaulted ceilings this chapel stands out for its height and beauty. Nodding towards medieval styles as well as early Renaissance trends, you can admire the gargoyles, marble floors, and impressive pillars.
The Gate of Honor (Grille d’Honneur) is the principal entrance to the palace complex and the palace itself. On its north and south sides, respectively, are the sculpture groups, one by Gaspard Marcy known as “Victory over the Empire” and other by Francois Girardon known as “Victory over Spain”.
Beyond the Gates of Honor lies the Court of Honor (Cour d’Honneur), which is positioned between Place d’Armes and the Royal Courtyard from where you can reach the wings of ministers, the entrances to the magnificent palace, and the entry to the enormous gardens. The Royal Court (Cour Royale), which may only be accessed with a special key, greets guests behind the Court of Honor’s Royal Gate.
Louis XIV’s Rooms in Versailles were the private chambers of King Louis XIV within the Palace of Versailles. These opulent spaces included his bedchamber, the Grand Cabinet, and the Council Chamber. Lavishly decorated, they showcased the grandeur befitting the Sun King. Today, visitors can explore these rooms and witness the splendor of one of history’s most influential monarchs.
Napoleon Bonaparte, who came to power following the French Revolution, is honored in the 13 Empire chambers. The Empire Rooms were King Louis-attempt Philippe to win over Bonapartist sentiment and the backing of former Empire members. He had, after all, ascended to the throne with Napoleon I. Every year and every campaign of the young artillery commander who trusted in his “lucky star” are depicted in the chambers.
It was not until the 19th century that the 120 m long battle gallery in the south wing was laid out by Frédéric Nepveu on behalf of Louis Philippe, King of the Citizens. He made Versailles a “museum for everyone” – and had the most important works for the glory of France exhibited here: paintings and busts of famous military leaders. David’s painting “The Coronation of Napoleon and the Empress Joséphine” gave the Coronation Hall its name.
with 35 paintings and 82 busts illustrating almost fifteen centuries of French military success from Clovis to Napoleon. This is the largest room in the palace, occupying almost the entire ground floor of the south wing.
The Hall of Mirrors is considered by some to be Louis XIV’s most notable contribution to Versailles. It is undoubtedly the most well-known chamber in the Château of Versailles and has 357 mirrors that reflect the room’s ornate gilded walls and brilliant crystal chandeliers. The Hall of Mirrors’ ceiling frescoes, which portray Louis XIV’s history, contribute to the space’s magnificent splendor. The main feature of the hall is the seventeen mirrored arches which reflect the seventeen arched windows that look out over the equally beautiful gardens of Versailles. This magnificent hall is 73 meters long, 10.5 meters wide, and 12.3 meters high.
King Louis XIV’s private apartment underwent several aesthetic changes throughout his rule, depending upon his preferences. Originally, the room’s door opened into the hall of mirrors but the doors were sealed. King’s Chamber was the most used throughout the day. King’s waking up, going to bed, dining in privately, and even meeting guests were done there. It is one of the symbolic and historical attractions of the Palace of Versailles.
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VERSAILLES PLACES
One of the most visited monuments in the Ile-de-France region is the Palace of Versailles. This historic place and grounds… see more
