Hôtel de la Guerre, 18th-century private mansion in Versailles, France
The Hôtel de la Guerre is a 18th-century mansion in Versailles originally built to serve as a military administrative center. The building displays flat vaulted ceilings made of brick and plaster, showcasing construction methods typical of the Louis XV period.
Construction began in 1759 under architect Jean-Baptiste Berthier to centralize military services and archives previously scattered between Paris and Versailles. The project was part of the broader modernization of royal administration under Louis XV.
The name reflects its military purpose, as it once housed the War Ministry and its operations. The rooms inside, particularly those decorated with paintings, tell the story of this official function.
The building is located on rue de l'Indépendance américaine and is not regularly open to visitors since it houses government offices. Interested travelers should check ahead for any special occasions when access might be permitted.
The architect deliberately set wood and straw on fire inside to demonstrate the building's fireproof construction to King Louis XV. This dramatic test proved that flames would not spread, showcasing advanced safety innovations of the period.
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