The Hall of Mirrors is a room located in the Palace of Versailles in France. Built between 1684 and 1686, it was built to commemorate the military triumphs of Louis XIV. The Hall of Mirrors is made up of 17 arched mirrors which are placed over a series of doorways.
The total length of the Hall of Mirrors is 73 m (240 ft). The position of the mirrors can be divided into two groups – the lower ones, which start with the first mirror at the northwest end; and the high mirrors, which start from the Wall of Diana opposite the Mars wall.
The lower mirrors are located on the ground level and the high mirrors have been placed on a raised level. The mirrors are placed at a distance of around five meters from each other and are divided by walls and surrounding galleries.
The mirrors reflect the scenery of the gardens and exalt the beauty of the decoration of the room. The central Venice Mirror of 17th century mirrors the grand history of France.
How much did the Hall of Mirrors cost?
The Hall of Mirrors, an iconic chamber in the Palace of Versailles in France, was an extravagant display of wealth and opulence by King Louis XIV, who reigned from 1643 to 1715. The construction of the Hall of Mirrors was completed in 1684, and the cost was an exorbitant 25 million livres, the currency of the time.
This would have been an incredibly large sum in the 1680s, and is equivalent to roughly $947 million today. Many factors contributed to the high cost, such as materials, assessment fees, and wages for the many artists and craftspeople who created the famous mirrors and sculptural decorations that adorn the walls and ceilings throughout the Hall.
The Hall of Mirrors continues to be a popular attraction at Versailles, which draws crowds of visitors who marvel at its beauty and grandeur.
How much gold is in Versailles?
Since the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles was built in the late 17th century, estimates suggest that nearly 7,000 kilograms of gold was used to decorate the entire palace. This includes items such as the walls and ceilings, mirrors, candlesticks, and doorways.
Most of the fixtures, such as doors and mirrors, were also framed in silver and gold. Additionally, the ceilings were sculpted in metal with 24-karat gold details. Though not an exact count, it’s estimated that over 2,400 kilograms of gold was used to decorate the Hall of Mirrors alone.
The remainder of the gold was used to embellish the other rooms of the palace. On display inside the palace are around 6,000 items made of gold such as furniture, vases, statues, religious artifacts, and coins.
An 18th century inventory of the palace listed the location of gold items and other treasures. Thus, it would be safe to say that the palace of Versailles holds an estimated seven thousand kilograms of gold.
How many statues are there in Versailles?
There are over 1,200 statues in the Palace of Versailles, located in France. The statues are made from a variety of materials such as bronze, marble, wood, and lead. Including over 500 works of art in the gardens.
These statues depict important mementos from French history, culture, and royal rule. Statues are found in various places such as the entrance of each of the five main châteaux, in the gardens, and in the gardens of Marie Antoinette.
Statues of Greek and Roman gods, allegorical figures, and French statesmen also adorn the châteaux and gardens. Many of the statues in the gardens were created by Italian and French sculptors, while other statues were gifted by foreign rulers including the King of Siam.
The statues in the gardens vary in height, with some towering to over seven meters in height. Some of the iconic statues in the gardens include the “Marly Horses,” which is a group of nine bronze statues of horses that are displayed in a rock grotto, as well as the “Queen’s Hamlet,” which is a small village featuring cottages, a waterfall, and many statues of characters from French folklore.
Other notable sculptures include the white marble King Louis XIV, the statue of Diana, and the square of Hercules. The statues at the Palace of Versailles tell the story of French history and culture, from antiquity to today.
Does Versailles have a pool?
Yes, Versailles does have a pool. The Estate of Versailles has a long history of having a pool, one of the earliest records of the pool being mentioned dates back to the reign of Louis XIII who, in 1630, had the Lorraine moat renovated and converted into a smaller, octogonal pool surrounded by trees.
This pool was known as the “Petit Basin”. However, during the reign of Louis XIV this pool was replaced with a larger, rectangular pool with a terrace. This pool was known as the “Grande Basin” and was 32 metres long, 17 metres wide, and 2.
40 metres deep. This pool is a feat of engineering and was the largest pool in Europe at the time. It provided a venue for some of the grandest spectacles of the court and still stands today as a reminder of the amazing accomplishments of Versailles.
Can you bring water into Versailles?
Yes, it is allowed to bring water into Versailles. There are drinking water fountains found throughout the Estate so you can refill your water bottle and stay hydrated throughout your visit. Additionally, plastic bottles filled with water are allowed inside the Estate, as long as they are strictly for personal use and not consumed during the visit.
Food and drinks from outside the Estate are not allowed inside, and there is no picnic area available.
Is Versailles a wonder of the world?
No, Versailles is not a designated Wonder of the World. However, it is often referred to as an architectural wonder because of its sheer beauty and grandeur. Versailles is a spectacular palace built in the 17th century for Louis XIV, the Sun King.
Located just outside of Paris, the palace’s grounds and gardens feature stunning fountains, canals, sculptures, groves, and theatres. It was designed to demonstrate the glory of France’s monarchy and is considered one of the most important achievements of French history and culture.
The Palace of Versailles and its manicured gardens remain a world-famous symbol of beauty and sumptuousness, making it one of the world’s greatest and most iconic landmarks.
Did Versailles have running water?
Yes, Versailles did have running water. The palace was revolutionary for its time, utilizing the power of hydraulic technology. The complex network of pumps and fountains allowed for running water to flow through the various areas of the palace, as well as in the famed gardens.
Construction work began in 1668 to install a water system throughout the palace, under the direction of the French architect, Louis Le Vau. Aqueducts were created to bring water into the palace from nearby rivers, while a reservoir and various oversized cisterns were constructed to store the water.
The system used air pressure to flow the water and keep it circulating throughout the palace. Additionally, the pressure was powerful enough to support fountains and water features. Waterworks were also installed to allow for running hot and cold water for bathing and washing.
Overall, the moving water contributed to the grandeur and majesty of the enormous palace.
What are the names of the fountains in Versailles?
The most iconic fountains at the Palace of Versailles are the Grand Canal’s Basin of Latona, the Grotto of Thetis, the Grand Trianon’s Latona Basin, the Garden of the Flying Machines, the God of Wonders, the Bosquet of the Water Theatre, the Apollo Fountain, the Charms of Aurora, and the Grotto of Cupid and Psyche.
In addition, there are also a number of smaller, less well-known fountains located at different points around the gardens, such as the Milk Fountain and the Queen of Sheba’s Fountain. The water features at Versailles range from the ornate to the minimalistic, and many of them feature spectacular sculptures or intricate mazes of pathways, making them truly a sight to behold.
Are the fountains always on at Versailles?
Yes, the fountains at Versailles are always on. The complex consists of over fifty fountains set in chambers and gardens, and they are all supplied with an abundant flow of water. Most of the fountains at Versailles are powered by pumps, powered by electricity and water pressure.
The magnificent Grand and Petit Trianon Fountains are the most powerful of the Versailles fountains, powered by high-powered external engines capable of launching water up to forty feet into the air.
There are also some fountains which are powered by hydraulic and gravity systems, using the natural force of gravity to control certain aspects of the flow or movement of the water. The fountains of Versailles are an integral part of its incredible beauty and charm, and the elegance of the grounds is enhanced by the sound of the gurgling waters.
Are the musical fountains in Versailles worth it?
Definitely! The musical fountains at Versailles are stunning and incredibly impressive. There are multiple fountains across the estate, each boasting their own unique charm and captivating displays of water and light.
Watching the fountains in action is an awe-inspiring experience. They combine thousands of gallons of water with light shows synchronized to a range of beautiful classical music. Even better, the choreography is changed out throughout the year to keep the experience fresh and engaging.
It is definitely worth the cost of admission and time out of your day to take in something so grand, luxurious and exquisite.