The Palace of Versailles, converted from a simple hunting lodge to a grand palace from 1661 to 1710, was the symbol of power for Louis XIV. Every room is laden with painted ceilings, ornately carved furniture, and crystal chandeliers. Pure gold leaf is to be seen everywhere, the ultimate display of wealth in the 17th century. The gardens take up 5,000 acres and are filled with gilded statues and beautiful fountains. Located about 11 miles outside Paris, it was the perfect place for Louis to hide from treacherous nobles and rebellious peasants.
The gates of Versailles are made of pure gold leaf so that all who came to see it would notice as soon as they arrived how
incredibly wealthy King Louis XIV was.
incredibly wealthy King Louis XIV was.
There were 1,400 fountains in the Versailles gardens. They were used only for special occasions. When Louis took walks in the gardens, he had his servants walk ahead of him and turn on the fountains as he walked by, because they didn't have enough water to keep all of them going at once.
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Gilded statues were placed throughout Louis's gardens.
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The Hall of Mirrors (above) is perhaps the most beautiful feature of Versailles. It has 17 mirrors across from 17 windows facing the outside gardens. Its curved ceiling has 30 scenes depicting the early years of Louis's reign and many beautiful crystal chandeliers.
Louis's bedchamber (right) is filled with gold leaf-framed portraits and ornately-carved furniture. The bed is purposefully short so that his 5'5" build could fill up the entire space. |