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While
Versailles was originally a hunting lodge for his father, the magnificent palace
we know today came into being under the reign of Louis XIV.
In 1682, for many reasons Louis moved the French royal court to the palace
where it remained until the beginning of the French revolution in 1789.
As many fine accomplishments as the Sun King is credited for, surely
none is great than the masterpiece located just outside Paris.
The Castle Grounds
The grounds are separated into four regions: Trianon, Park, Chateau and Village.
Once
a village, Louis purchased the village of Trianon only to demolish it in order
to build a house to escape from the extensive protocols of the palace. Louis
Le Vau designed the walls using white and blue “Chinese Style” ceramic tiles,
but where later replaced with marble under Louis’ supervision. These apartments
provided the king a place to unwind and be closer to his family.
The greatest French gardener in history, André Le Nôtre
became close friends with Louis XIV and designed for him
using his mastery of baroque styles, a garden which all other potentates
would envy. Filled with breath taking groves, ornamental tree
s
and flowers boxes, the garden was set in a
very
geometric design. Heavy pruning
was required maintain such an amazing feat of nature.
Louis’ aristocracy even showed through in his park, as he wrote a
guide on how to display this attraction to his guests.
When
Louis XIV took a liking the chateau he placed architect Louis Le Vau in
charge of embellishing the original residence.
This provided a contrast within the building for the structure simply
engulfed the old. The white
brick façade provides a wonderful background for the garden setting and
the central terrace provides a breathtaking view of the gardens. Some
of the most wonderful interior decorations are included within the palace.
A brief description of some of the rooms are included below.
The king, adopting the sun as his emblem, decided to decorate the seven salons in his apartments with the planets. Working under Premier Peintre Charles Le Brun, François Lemoyne painted The Apotheosis of Hercules frescoe on the ceiling and along with the lavish decorations, this room is only exceeded in splendor by the hall of mirrors.
nQuite
possibly one of the finest displays on earth the Hall of
Mirrors was constructed as a glory to the king as he ordered
his Le Brun to depict his accomplishments on the ceiling.
Lining the walls are the finest statues of Louis XIV and roman emperors.
The Chapel Royal
The
chapel at Versailles is consecrated to Saint Louis.
This is where Louis XIV and his sons attended daily mass.
Designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the style is a blend of Baroque
and Gothic, making it extremely unusual.
This was Louis’ XIV last addition to the Chateau.
Many people were needed to operate a palace of this magnitude. When Versailles became the official residence the Grand Lodging and the Greater and Lesser Stables were erected. The Grand Lodging provided over 600 rooms for the courtiers, while the Greater and Lesser Stables housed the finest riding horses for the crown in the prior and the carriages, coaches, and draught horses for use of the court in the latter.
