The Palace of Versailles is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in all of France. It is a massive complex that includes the palace itself, as well as extensive gardens and other buildings.
While many people assume that Versailles is located within the city limits of Paris, it is actually located outside the city. But why is this?
History
The answer to this question lies in the history of France. In the 17th century, when King Louis XIV decided to build a new palace for himself, he chose a location outside of Paris for several reasons.
One reason was that he wanted to escape the congestion and filth of the city. At that time, Paris was a crowded and dirty place, with narrow streets and open sewers. By building his palace outside of the city, Louis XIV could enjoy cleaner air and a more peaceful environment.
Another reason was security. The king was concerned about potential uprisings or attacks on his palace, so he chose a location that was more easily defensible than central Paris.
Design
The design of Versailles also played a role in its location outside of Paris. The palace was designed to be an enormous showpiece, demonstrating the wealth and power of France’s monarchy. To achieve this effect, Louis XIV wanted his palace to be surrounded by vast gardens and open spaces.
In central Paris, land was at a premium and it would have been difficult to find enough space for such expansive gardens. By building outside of the city, Louis XIV had access to large tracts of land where he could create his vision for Versailles.
Legacy
Today, Versailles remains one of France’s most popular tourist attractions. Its magnificent architecture and sprawling gardens continue to amaze visitors from around the world.
While it may seem odd that such an important landmark is located outside of Paris proper, there is no denying that the decision to build Versailles in its current location was a wise one. By choosing a location outside of the city, Louis XIV was able to create a palace that was both beautiful and functional.
Conclusion
So, why is Versailles located outside of Paris? The answer lies in history, design, and practicality. While it may not be exactly where you would expect it to be, there is no denying that Versailles is an incredible testament to the power and beauty of France’s monarchy.