Aile du Midi, South wing at Palace of Versailles, France
The Aile du Midi is a classically designed wing of the Palace of Versailles that extends about 150 meters in length. The structure consists of two parallel buildings separated by inner courtyards and displays Italian architectural features on the garden side.
Architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart designed and built this wing between 1679 and 1681 as a residence for the royal children. This expansion was part of the major transformation of Versailles during the reign of Louis XIV.
The Battle Gallery inside displays paintings of major French military victories that visitors can view while walking through the long halls. These works on the walls tell stories of important moments from French history.
Visitors can access this wing through two different entrance levels, with one entrance opening toward the park side of the complex. It is helpful to allow plenty of time to explore the long galleries and halls.
A meeting hall inside this wing has served since 1953 as a place where French parliament meets and presidential elections take place. This space has played an important role in modern French government proceedings.
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