Description
Palace of Versailles - Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is located on Place d'Arms in Versailles, France. The palace began its life as a hunting lodge aquired by Louis XIII in 1624. Between 1631 and 1634 he had a small chateau built to replace the old lodge. During the reign of Louis XIV the chateau was transformed into the magnificent palace we know today. Beginning in 1661 he began to rebuild the existing structures and enlarge the park grounds. This reconstruction lasted almost continuosly from 1668 to 1710. From 1682 to 1789 Versailles was the official seat of power for the monarchy and the palace would be home to Louis XV from 1715 to 1774, then Louis XVI, and his wife, Marie Antoinette from 1774 until the French Revolution of 1789 ousted them from power. During the reign of Louis XV only minor alterations and some small reconstruction to the palace took place. Owing to financial difficulties and the Revolution only changes to the gardens were completed during the reign of Louis XVI. After the royal couple was deposed looters ransacked the palace and destroyed or stole most of the furniture and artwork. Louis XVIII was able to restore the King's and Queen's apartment between 1814 and 1825, but it was Louis-Philippe who restored the palace to its former greatness with a major restoration that took place between 1833 and 1837, at which time the palace was dedicated as a museum. Versailles now comprises the palace, the gardens, the canal, the Grand and Petit Trianons, and the Queen's Hamlet. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
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