🏰 Palace and Park of Versailles
Former royal residence and seat of French government in Yvelines, France
📌 Fast Facts
- UNESCO inscription: 1979
- Location: 17 km southwest of Paris, Yvelines department
- Construction began: 1661 under Louis XIV
- Palace rooms and gardens: 700+ rooms, approximately 815 hectares
The Palace and Park of Versailles is a royal estate complex in the Yvelines department that transformed from a modest hunting lodge into the principal residence of French monarchy and a statement of absolute royal authority. Expansion began in 1661 under Louis XIV and continued through successive reigns during the 18th century. Versailles was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. As of 2026, the palace operates as a museum and national monument under government administration, with ...