Friday, 29 June 2018

Palace of Versailles


Today we visited this amazing palace built by Louis XIV in the 17th century. Its gardens, decorative interiors, salons and the Hall of Mirrors have to be seen to be really appreciated. However the photos below will at least give you some idea of its magnificence.

The Hall of Mirrors was of particular interest to Phil as it was in this room that the Treaty of Versailles was signed on 28 June 1919 ending World War One and, among other things, creating the International Labour Organization which has been the focus of Phil’s work for nearly 20 years. The Hall features 357 mirrors in 17 arches between marble pilasters that feature in gold symbols of France including the fleur-de-lys and the Gallic cocherel. The ceiling is decorated with paintings celebrating Louis XIV’s military victories.

Photo 1: Palace from a distance to give some idea of its size
Photos 2 and 3: examples of ceiling art in the salons
Photo 4: Palace gardens seen from the Hall of Mirrors
Photo 5: example of the many gold ceiling decorations
Photo 6: another external view of the Palace
Photos 7 and 8: the Hall of Mirrors






 
 

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