Palace of Versailles

If you have never heard of Versailles, odds are, that you have never heard of France, either. This magnificent palace, spanning over an area of 67 000 square meters, has become one of the symbols of the country, as well as of the power and wealth of the absolutist monarchs who ruled over it. It is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1979.

Although the history of the place starts in 1623, when a hunting lodge was built here, the construction of the palace as we know it today was only commissioned by Louis XIV in 1661. The works continued until 1715, resulting in a 700-rooms-large architectural marvel, that hides rooms such as the State Apartments or the golden Hall of Mirrors. It is said, that everything in the palace, from the bricks to mirrors, is of French origin (although the mirrors in particular were actually made by Venetian craftsmen).

When visiting, keep in mind that it can get very crowded, as the palace has to accommodate 15 million tourists every year. If you want to avoid the biggest lines, purchase your tickets online in advance and come during low season and as early as possible.