You probably recognize some of the incredible photos of the Palace of Versailles, like the famous Hall of Mirrors or the massive view of the backside of the building. But how many of these facts did you know?

1. The Palace of Versailles was originally built as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII in 1623.
   
2. Louis XIV transformed the lodge into a grand palace, adding the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Grand Apartments, and the Queen’s Grand Apartments.
   
3. Versailles was the political and cultural center of France from 1682 to 1789.
   
4. Louis XIV commissioned the construction of the palace’s famous gardens, which took 40 years to complete.
   
5. The palace’s Hall of Mirrors was used as a backdrop for the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I in 1919.
   
6. The Palace of Versailles was the birthplace of Louis XV.
   
7. The palace was home to Louis XIV’s court and government, which consisted of thousands of people.
   
8. Marie Antoinette’s famous hamlet, a rustic retreat in the palace’s gardens, was built for her in 1783.
   
9. Many royal family members were imprisoned at the palace during the French Revolution.
   
10. Versaille’s famous Hall of Battles, which features paintings depicting famous battles in French history, was added during the reign of Louis-Philippe.
    
11. Versailles was the site of the famous royal ball in 1670, which Louis XIV and his court attended.
12. Louis XIV moved the royal court to Versailles to assert control over the French nobility.
    
13. Napoleon saved the palace from being destroyed during the French Revolution and then used it as his residence.
    
14. The elaborate Hall of Mirrors was used for important state ceremonies, including the coronation of Napoleon.
    
15. The palace’s famous gardens were designed by André Le Nôtre and feature perfectly manicured lawns, fountains, and flower beds.
    
16. The palace’s Grand Trianon was built as a retreat for Louis XIV and his mistresses.
    
17. Marie Antoinette used the palace’s Petit Trianon as a private retreat.
    
18. A hydraulic pump powered the famous fountains at Versailles, which was considered a technological marvel at the time.
    
19. The palace’s Chapel was built for royal weddings and other important religious ceremonies.
    
20. The Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors each year.
    

Have you visited the Palace of Versailles? What was your favorite part?

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This article was produced by Our Woven Journey.