Bosquet de la Colonnade, Marble colonnade in Palace Gardens, Versailles, France
Bosquet de la Colonnade is a circular garden structure containing 32 marble columns connected by arcades, creating a 40-meter diameter space topped with decorative stone urns. The columns form a complete ring that encloses the central area.
Jules Hardouin-Mansart designed this garden feature in 1685 under Louis XIV's commission. It replaced the previous Bosquet des Sources created by André Le Nôtre in 1679.
The central sculpture group depicts the Abduction of Proserpine by Pluto, created by François Girardon, surrounded by carved figures of nymphs and mythological deities. This mythological scene tells a classical story through marble and stone carving.
You can visit this garden feature during special fountain shows and musical garden events held throughout the year. Guided tours are available during regular opening hours if you want to learn more about the structure.
This colonnade incorporates three distinct types of marble: Languedoc red, Turquin blue, and violet breccia. The colored marbles were deliberately chosen to create visual contrasts within the garden design.
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