Why did Louis XIV build Versailles?
By building Versailles, Louis shifted the seat of French government away from the feuding, gossiping, trouble-making noble families in Paris. He had the whole palace and its massive gardens built along an East/West axis so the sun would rise and set in alignment with his home.
Why did Louis XIV construct Versailles?
By moving his court and government to Versailles, Louis XIV hoped to extract more control of the government from the nobility and to distance himself from the population of Paris.
What was the purpose of the Palace of Versailles?
The Palace of Versailles was the principal residence of the French kings from the time of Louis XIV to Louis XVI. Embellished by several generations of architects, sculptors, decorators and landscape architects, it provided Europe with a model of the ideal royal residence for over a century.
Why did Louis XIV built the Palace of Versailles quizlet?
The palace of Versailles was a symbol to the people of wealth and how much power Louis XIV had in Europe. The practical purpose that Louis XIV had when it came to making the palace was just to show off to the people and show how much control he had over the economy and what he could do with the money.
When did Louis XIV build the Palace of Versailles?
Louis XIII built a simple hunting lodge on the site of the Palace of Versailles in 1623 and replaced it with a small château in 1631–34. Louis XIV expanded the château into a palace in several phases from 1661 to 1715.
What inspired Versailles?
The chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte
The chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte is smaller and less well-known but is a gem in its own right. And it was the inspiration for Versailles in many ways. Vaux-le-Vicomte is near Melun, an hour's drive southeast of Paris.
Why was Versailles not destroyed?
Even though the sovereign and the court were no longer in residence, the Palace was not left to go to ruin. On the contrary, and as always during the royal family's absences, the opportunity was taken to carry out repairs.
Who built Versailles and why?
Louis XIV ruled France for 72 years, and in that time transformed Versailles by encompassing Louis XIII's chateau with a palace that contained north and south wings, as well as nearby buildings housing ministries. Versailles was built to impress.
What was the purpose of Louis XIV Palace?
From 1682 it became the main residence of the French Court and government. Louis XIV moved not only the aristocracy to Versailles, but also the main body of administration.
What is the story behind Versailles?
The palace. The original residence was primarily a hunting lodge and private retreat for Louis XIII (reigned 1610–43) and his family. In 1624 the king entrusted Jacques Lemercier with the construction of a château on the site. Its walls are preserved today as the exterior facade overlooking the Marble Court.
How much would it cost to build Versailles today?
If the Palace of Versailles were built today, it would cost roughly two billion US dollars. The sheer scale of the grounds comes with a hefty price tag, with over 700 rooms, 60 staircases and 1200 fireplaces.
What did Versailles smell like?
Built on swampland, Versailles was described by a visitor in 1764 as an odiferous cesspool of dead cats, urine, excrement, slaughtered pigs, standing water, and mosquitoes. Although this description is doubtless an exaggeration, it is no surprise that the 18th century marked a turning point for perfumery.
What was the biggest mistake made in the Treaty of Versailles?
One of the most controversial terms of the treaty was the War Guilt clause, which explicitly and directly blamed Germany for the outbreak of hostilities. The treaty forced Germany to disarm, to make territorial concessions, and to pay reparations to the Allied powers in the staggering amount of $5 billion.
How much would Versailles cost today?
roughly two billion US dollars
If the Palace of Versailles were built today, it would cost roughly two billion US dollars. The sheer scale of the grounds comes with a hefty price tag, with over 700 rooms, 60 staircases and 1200 fireplaces.
Is there a toilet in Versailles?
There are several toilets and free changing tables for babies at your disposal all over the Estate. In the Palace, there are toilets and changing tables before the ticket checks in the South Ministers' Wing and after the ticket checks in the basement of the Dufour Pavilion (Entrance A).
What did they drink in Versailles?
While there was a bounty of food and drink on constant offer at Versailles, the drink of choice for King Louis XV was hot chocolate. And so, the king's favorite became everyone's favorite. The cocoa drink was a delicacy back then and was thought of as an exotic choice for the royals.
Which king only bathed twice?
King Louis XIV
King Louis XIV is said to have only bathed twice in lifetime. He found bathing a disturbing act, as did Queen Isabel I of Spain who also confessed to having only two baths; on the day of her birth and the day of her marriage.
Did Versailles have no bathrooms?
The legendary Palace of Versailles began as a hunting lodge in 1624. After more than a century and a half of building, which included some of the most impressive construction campaigns in the world's history, toilets were added in the 18th Century.
Why did the Germans hate the Treaty of Versailles?
The Treaty of Versailles caused furious reactions in Germany. Germany had to pay huge sums of money to the countries it had fought in compensation for the damage. In addition, France, England, and the United States wanted to prevent Germany from becoming strong enough to start a new war.
Which was the most humiliating part of the Treaty of Versailles?
Perhaps the most humiliating portion of the treaty for defeated Germany was Article 231, commonly known as the "War Guilt Clause," which forced the German nation to accept complete responsibility for initiating World War I.
Why did the French not bathe?
The medical community in medieval Europe believed that water was harmful to health, as it opened pores and left the body more vulnerable to disease. Because of this, people would not wash. Full body baths were rare.
Can you sleep in Versailles?
You can even stay at the Palace of Versailles when you book a room or suite in the magnificent 5-star Airelles Château de Versailles Le Grand Contrôle luxury resort located in a fully renovated historic building on the Estate's grounds.
Did Versailles have toilets?
In the Palace, there are toilets and changing tables before the ticket checks in the South Ministers' Wing and after the ticket checks in the basement of the Dufour Pavilion (Entrance A). Other toilets are located in the basement of the Gabriel Pavilion (Entrance B) and at the end of the History Gallery.
Who was the kindest king of all time?
Æthelstan (king of England, 925–939)
It is difficult to be certain about the personality of figures from so long ago, but accounts of Æthelstan suggest that he was of devout Christian faith and showed compassion and charity to all.
How much does a night at Versailles cost?
You Can Now Spend the Night Inside the Palace Versailles For a Kingly $2,000 a Night. The historic site is now a hotel.