France: Palace of Versailles

29 photos of this vast and magnificent palace, and three of the replica in Bavaria.

Statue of King Louis XIV, Palace of Versailles, 7 February 2015. Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, created the palace during his long reign (1643 - 1715). His successors merely extended and modified it. Louis XIV's purpose was to overawe and control the aristocracy, many of whom had taken part in the Fronde rebellions 1648 - 1653. He made himself absolute monarch, the fount of all power and vast riches. There was fierce competition at court for his favours, even though life at court was ruinously expensive. Kings spent about 5% of their annual revenues on the court, most of which ended up in the pockets of a few hundred noble courtiers.

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Statue of King Louis XIV, Palace of Versailles, 7 February 2015. Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, created the palace during his long reign (1643 - 1715). His successors merely extended and modified it. Louis XIV's purpose was to overawe and control the aristocracy, many of whom had taken part in the Fronde rebellions 1648 - 1653. He made himself absolute monarch, the fount of all power and vast riches. There was fierce competition at court for his favours, even though life at court was ruinously expensive. Kings spent about 5% of their annual revenues on the court, most of which ended up in the pockets of a few hundred noble courtiers.

Versailles palace photos