Chateau de Versailles is an estate located in France. Popularly called Versailles, it is basically a royal chateau, where King Louis XIV lived with his wife. When the palace was built, Versailles was a country village. However, with time, it has now grown into a suburb of Paris. Chateau de Versailles, spread over a wide area of land, is one of the most beautiful and extravagant buildings in the world. The palace reflects the royal living of the 17th century France and serves as a true embodiment of French history, culture, country and cuisine. Explore some interesting and fun facts about Chateau de Versailles.
Interesting & Fun Facts about Chateau de Versailles
- In 1685, 36,000 people and 6,000 horses started the construction work of the 500 meters long palace, which took altogether 50 years.
- When Chateau de Versailles was built, Versailles was only a country village. However, it has now developed into a suburb of Paris.
- On October 8, 1789, a group of townspeople, especially the women, marched up to the palace and demanded bread.
- When Chateau de Versailles was completed, it could accommodate up to 5,000 people, including servants.
- The chateau is famous because it served as the residence of King Louis XIV and his queen, Marie Antoinette. Together, they ruled over France for many years till they were overthrown.
- Chateau de Versailles is one of the most extravagant buildings in the whole world.
- The chateau is one of the largest palaces in the world. It has more than 700 rooms, 2000 windows, 1250 fireplaces, 67 staircases and more than 1800 acres of park.
- The palace is open everyday, except Mondays, from 9 am to 5.30 pm (6.30 pm, from May 2nd to September 30th).
- The Versailles Park is open daily, from 7 or 8 pm. Its access is free.
- The paintings, tapestries, sculptures and furniture of this fabulous palace, have been executed by the best Italian and French artists of the time.
- The palace of Versailles, including the famous Hall of Mirrors, has been imitated many times throughout Europe, during the 18th century.
- In the Hall of Mirrors, the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, after World War I.
- Versailles is famous not only as a building, but as a symbol of the system of absolute monarchy.
