The Château de Versailles, also known as the Palace of Versailles, once a former residence and center of government, is now a well-known national landmark with a long and extravagant past dating back centuries ago.
The Palace is located in the city of Versailles which is located in northern France about 10 miles west-southwest of Paris.
The Original Construction of the Palace of Versailles
The original residence was built from 1631 to 1634 and served mainly as a hunting lodge and private retreat for King Louis XIII who reigned the country of France from 1610-1643. It was under Louis XIV, who served as King of France from 1643-1715, when Versailles was transformed into the palace and lush gardens that have become synonymous with the name Versailles.
The Expansion of the Palace
In 1682, Louis XIV moved from Paris to Versailles to transform the residence into one of extroadinary political power in France. Louis XIV and the rest of the royal family along with several members of the political court called Versailles home until 1789 when the French Revolution began. The Château de Versailles is a symbol of not only beautiful architecture and elegance but of the absolute monarchy of the time period.
King Louis XIV built the palace as an expression of his absolute power and filled his desire to establish a new center for the royal court. The court was officially established at Versailles in May of 1682. By moving the court to his residence, King Louis XIV hoped to gain more control over government while distancing himself from the population in Paris.
Following the death of the chief minister of the government, Louis had declared he would become the chief
minister to ensure total power. His idea was that if he established a governing body at Versailles he would be able to ensure that all his advisors and governmental rulers would be under his watchful eye and therefore prevent any chance of a revolt.
The expansion of Versailles took place under 4 separate building campaigns. The first campaign was held from 1664-1668 and started with a party thrown for Louis’ mother and wife. In reality, this party is sais to have been thrown for Louis’ mistress. 600 guests were invited to the party and in order to ensure ample room, Versailles and the gardens were expanded and the first building campaign was complete.
The second building campaign (1669-1672) corresponded with the end of the War of Devolution. It is here when
the castle began to transform into what many have seen of the castle today. During this renovation, Louis XIII’s hunting lodge was enclosed and a new structure was created that held rooms dedicated for the king and his family. Two different suite-like areas were created for the king and queen on the main floor. A terrace, bathrooms, and more private rooms for the king’s children and extended family were also added.
In 1678 the Dutch War ended and it was then that the third building campaign on Versailles began under King Louis XIV. The now famous Hall of Mirrors was created and both ends of the palace were expanded. The landscaping of the gardens was also improved.
After being defeated in war, Louis XIV undertook the last building campaign (1699-1710). This final campaign focused on the royal chapel and included modifications to the royal apartments and the King’s Bedchamber. The chapel was completed in 1710 and with that all building on Versailles ceased until 20 years later when France was under the power of Louis XV.
King Louis XIV used approximately 60% of France’s total revenue for the build. Some portions of the palace took over 25 years to complete and in today’s currency, Versailles’ total renovation cost over $2 billion dollars.
The Palace of Versailles: The Royal Family Moves Out
Several years later during the French Revolution in 1789, the royal family was forced to move from the palace to the city of Paris. The then King Louis XVI ordered all the furniture to be moved from the palace to their residence in Paris. However, the fate of the palace was sealed in 1792 and most of the furniture was auctioned off from 1793 to 1795.
From 1793 until after World War II, The Palace served as many functions including: a museum, art gallery, imperial palace, and war hospital.
The Palace of Versailles Today
Currently, Versailles is still undergoing intensive restoration and has become one of France’s most popular tourist attractions. The Palace still serves some political function. The Heads of State meet in the Hall of Mirrors and the senate and national assembly both meet in Versailles to discuss any potential amendments to the French Constitution.
Today, The Palace is open every day except Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. From April 1st through September 30th, the hours are extended to 6:30 p.m. The adjoining Versailles park is open daily from 8 a.m. until at least 6 p.m. and access is free.
