#FabDesignFriday
By Natasha Gan
A train ride away from Paris and a few more minutes of walking on cobbled streets, lies the opulent Palace of Versailles or as the French call it, Chateau de Versailles.
Built in 1623 by Louis XIII, Versailles was initially a modest hunting lodge. The king’s son, Louis XIV then renovated and expanded it to function as the royal court, the country’s government and his private residence with the help of architect Louis Le Vau. Shortly after the completion of this phase in 1678, Louis XIV appointed architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart to add two massive north and south wings to the compound, as well as what is now known to be the most famous room of the palace, the Hall of Mirrors. (A regal chamber with 17 mirrored arches facing 17 arched windows, which overlook the magnificent 800-hectare garden).
The palace boasts a Baroque architecture style, with ornate chandeliers hanging from fully-painted barrel ceilings and shiny gilded sculptures lining the walls.
From the main entrance, to the Marble Court, the Opera and the King’s Apartment, the opulence of Versailles is indisputably astounding. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site for 30 years and arguably the most beautiful manifestation of the 18th century French art. When travelling to France, a visit to Versailles is obligatory, but be prepared to gawk at all the splendour before you.