Versailles

The palace of Versailles is undoubtedly considered one of the most beautiful buildings ever constructed. When Louis XIV decided to begin construction in 1664, he wanted to build a palace more elegant and grand than any other before it. 20 years later, with help from architects Louis Le Vau and Andre Le Notre, he accomplished just that. The palace boasts some of the most beautiful gardens anywhere as well as some of the first modern fountains. Even today, when all the fountains are turned on, getting enough water pressure is a chore. The palace grounds even boast thier own "Grand Canal" as in Venice. However, the palace was more than just a beautiful place to live, it was a symbol of absolutism for the next 100 years. From the day Louis XIV moved to Versailles in 1682, until the royal family was forced back to Paris in 1789, the palace represented autocracy. In some ways, the palace is an elegant landmark, but in others it represents the many hardships the French people had to endure during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Other fun facts about Versailles

Roof area- 27.2 acres
Floor Space- 51,210 sq. M or 551, 000 sq ft.
Windows- 2,153
Rooms-700
Staircases-67