The Palace of Versailles is one of the most famous royal residences in the world, located in Versailles, France, about 20 kilometers southwest of Paris.
Versailles began as a small hunting lodge built by King Louis XIII in 1623. His son, Louis XIV, transformed it into a magnificent palace starting in 1661, moving the French court and government here in 1682.
For over 100 years, Versailles served as the principal royal residence of France. The palace symbolized the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime and became the model for royal palaces across Europe.
The palace features Baroque architecture and was designed by renowned architects including Louis Le Vau and Jules Hardouin-Mansart. The famous Hall of Mirrors, completed in 1684, remains one of the most celebrated rooms in the world.
The Gardens of Versailles, designed by André Le Nôtre, cover approximately 800 hectares and feature elaborate fountains, sculptures, and the Grand Canal stretching 1.5 kilometers.
Versailles witnessed many significant historical events, including the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 that ended World War I. The French Revolution began with events at Versailles in 1789.
Today, the Palace of Versailles operates as a museum and is one of France's most popular tourist attractions. It continues to host official state events and remains an important symbol of French history and culture.
The palace underwent significant restoration work in the 20th and 21st centuries to preserve its historical integrity and artistic heritage for future generations.