Palace of Versailles, Royal palace in Versailles, France
The Palace of Versailles is a former royal residence in the town of Versailles near Paris, spreading across a large complex of main buildings, side palaces and formal gardens. The rooms feature frescoes, gilded carvings, mirrors and marble, while the grounds include avenues, fountains and geometrically arranged flowerbeds.
King Louis XIV moved his court and government from Paris to this location in 1682, transforming a former hunting lodge into the seat of royal power. Later rulers expanded the estate further, until the royal family was forced to return to Paris during the Revolution in 1789.
The royal estate now houses an art museum with paintings, sculptures and furniture spanning several centuries of French history. Thousands of visitors walk through the halls and gardens each day, while concerts and cultural events take place regularly in the historic rooms.
The palace opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon, with gardens often remaining accessible longer than the interior rooms. Arriving early helps avoid longer waits at the entrance, and comfortable shoes are helpful since the grounds are large and require plenty of walking.
In 1919, the peace treaty ending the First World War was signed here in the Hall of Mirrors, formally concluding the conflict and redrawing European borders. The same room had previously served in the 18th century as a reception hall for foreign ambassadors and important guests.
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