A very brief history of Versailles
Louis XIV |
Back in 1623, Louis XIII - father of Louis XIV - built a 'hunting lodge, a little gentleman's chateau' of brick, stone, and slate at Versailles. Upon coming to the throne, Louis XIV had his own architects, gradually enlarge the original building.
http://www.chateauversailles.fr/en/110_Construction.php
In May 6, 1682, Versailles became the official residence of the Court of France, supplanting the palaces at the Louvre and Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Under the king's ever watchful eye, great lords no longer plotted - they remained with the army or at court, ready to please and serve. Intimidating, majestic, and fully informed by his spies, the king controlled everything and gave full meaning to his favourite phrase: “L’etat c’est moi” (I am the State) |
