Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a former royal residence southwest of Paris, France. Its history began with a hunting lodge built for Louis XIII in 1624. His son, Louis XIV, gradually transformed it into a vast palace, with major building campaigns beginning in 1661. Architects such as Louis Le Vau and Jules Hardouin-Mansart, artists and decorators, and the landscape designer André Le Nôtre shaped the buildings and gardens.

The Hall of Mirrors, completed in 1684, became one of the palace’s best-known interiors. In 1682, Louis XIV moved the court and government to Versailles, making it the de facto centre of royal power. The palace continued to expand under Louis XV and Louis XVI, with new buildings and interiors added in the 18th century. Versailles was not simply a residence: it was also a place where political decisions, court ceremonies and cultural activities took place.

The royal period ended during the French Revolution. On 6 October 1789, Louis XVI and his family left Versailles for Paris, and the palace ceased to be a royal residence. In the 19th century, King Louis-Philippe gave it a new purpose: in 1837, Versailles became the Museum of the History of France, with collections devoted to major figures and events in French history. Today, the estate includes the palace, the gardens, the Trianon châteaux and other historic areas.

The palace itself contains around 2,300 rooms and covers about 63,154 square metres. Its gardens are known for their long geometric perspectives, fountains, canals and carefully planned plantings. Versailles also played an important role in French and European history: the Treaty of Versailles was signed there in 1919, ending the First World War with Germany. In 1979, the Palace and Park of Versailles were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their architectural, artistic and historical importance.