15 MOST Magnificent Royal Palaces
15 MOST Magnificent Royal Palaces
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00:00Hey everyone, we're taking a tour of the 15 most magnificent royal palaces around the
00:05world.
00:06Each one represents a piece of history and architectural elegance.
00:08Let's start with number 15, Qasr al-Watan, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
00:14Qasr al-Watan, which is in the center of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, is a recently
00:19built palace that opened in March of 2019.
00:22It's part of a larger presidential palace complex which houses the offices of the President,
00:27Vice President, and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
00:30With a design that's deeply rooted in Arab architectural traditions, it incorporates
00:33some modern elements that make it a stunning example of contemporary craftsmanship.
00:38The exterior of the palace is constructed from white granite and limestone, creating
00:42a striking contrast against the blue waters of the Gulf around its perimeter.
00:46Inside, the palace is equally remarkable, with one standout feature being the Great
00:51Hall, which has an expansive dome that's decorated with intricate Islamic motifs and calligraphy.
00:57This dome symbolizes the central role of knowledge and enlightenment in the Emirati culture.
01:01The interior decor combines traditional craftsmanship with some high-tech innovations, featuring
01:06detailed mosaics, carvings, and gold, silver, and glass embellishments.
01:11And there's a chandelier that's made up of over 350,000 individual pieces of crystal.
01:16Beyond being the seat of the government, Qasr al-Watan is an educational center that also
01:20aims to give a deeper understanding of the UAE's governance, culture, and traditions
01:24to its visitors.
01:25It's got a huge library that's filled with a wide selection of more than 50,000 books
01:30and documents related to the Arab world's history and contributions.
01:34And the palace also features several exhibition halls that host a range of cultural artifacts,
01:39including gifts received from visiting world leaders, with each piece telling a unique
01:42story of diplomacy and friendship.
01:4514.
01:46The Royal Palace, Madrid, Spain The Royal Palace of Madrid, known locally
01:53as Palacio Real.
01:54It was built on the site of a 9th-century fortress that had been turned into a royal
01:58palace by the Habsburg dynasty, but it had been burned down in 1734.
02:03King Philip V commissioned a new palace that would not only serve as the official residence,
02:08but also showcase the power of Spain.
02:10This grand vision was brought to life in a Baroque style of architecture.
02:14It was completed in 1755.
02:16This royal palace is one of the largest in Europe, covering over 1.45 million square
02:21feet, or over 135,000 square meters, and features more than 3,400 rooms.
02:28Its design reflects a blend of Baroque and Neoclassical styles, prominently featuring
02:32Spanish marble, stucco, and mahogany from the colonies.
02:36Inside the palace's interiors are a display of artistic and historical wealth.
02:40Each room is meticulously decorated, as it serves as a gallery for fine art, including
02:45paintings by Caravaggio, Velázquez, and Goya, and frescoes by Tiepolo.
02:51The palace also has one of the world's finest collections of historical armory and tapestries,
02:55many of which have been preserved since medieval times.
02:58Among the most memorable rooms is the throne room, with red velvet walls embroidered with
03:03golden fleur-de-lis and a ceiling fresco that represents the glory of the Spanish monarchy.
03:09The Hall of Mirrors, similar to the one in Versailles, and the opulent banquet halls
03:12display intricate Rococo styles, further establishing the palace's wonder.
03:17While the royal family now lives in the more modest Palace of Zaruzela, the Palacio Real
03:23remains the official site for the state's ceremonies, royal audiences, and significant
03:27cultural events, making it not only a center of power, but also a hub of culture and artistic
03:32expression.
03:3313.
03:34The Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, Turkey Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most magnificent
03:41buildings in the country, and it was built between 1843 and 1856 during the reign of
03:46Sultan Abdul Mesid I, and it shows a significant shift from the traditional Ottoman architectural
03:52style to a more European-inspired design.
03:55The structure is on the European coast of the Bosphorus Strait, and it offers stunning
03:59waterfront views, serving as a symbol of the empire's 19th-century integration of Western
04:04aesthetics.
04:05The exterior is adorned with a facade of white marble and countless windows, which together
04:10reflect the sun off the waters of the Bosphorus.
04:12It covers an area of over 480,000 square feet, or just over 45,000 square meters.
04:18This palace contains 285 rooms, 44 halls, 68 toilets, and 6 Turkish baths, making it
04:24one of the largest palaces in Turkey.
04:26This palace also features an extensive collection of oil paintings, including works by Europeans
04:31and Ottoman artists.
04:33It also includes the world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier in the ceremonial hall,
04:37which was a gift from Queen Victoria.
04:40The centerpiece of the palace has got to be the Grand Ceremonial Hall with its massive
04:44dome, which was a technological marvel of its time due to its size and the weight it
04:48held without any visible supports.
04:50Each room in the palace tells a story of a bygone era, from the Sultan's lavish private
04:55apartments to the impressive Ataturk Room, where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of
04:59modern Turkey, spent his last days.
05:02A place like this doesn't come cheap, though, and it's believed to have cost about 35 tons
05:06of gold for about the equivalent of $1.9 billion in today's money.
05:11Because of the loans that were needed for this, the pressure put on the economy in the
05:15following years played a massive part in the Ottoman Empire defaulting on its debts in
05:191881.
05:20So, yeah, probably not a good investment.
05:2312.
05:24THE GRAND PALACE, BANGKOK, THAILAND The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand was
05:30first established in 1782 by King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynasty, and it
05:36would serve as the official residence of the Thai King for 150 years.
05:40It's a sprawling complex of buildings in the heart of Bangkok, covering over 2.3 million
05:44square feet or over 218,000 square meters, and it's surrounded by walls that were built
05:49in 1783.
05:51The architecture of this grand palace is a rich blend of traditional Thai and European
05:56influences, reflecting the changes in aesthetics and construction techniques throughout the
06:00centuries.
06:01The complex includes several halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens, and courtyards,
06:06and its layout is similar to that of the palaces of Uttaradhaya, the glorious former capital
06:11of the kingdom that was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century.
06:15One of the most famous buildings within this palace is the Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple
06:19of the Emerald Buddha, which is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple, or Wat, in
06:24Thailand.
06:25The Emerald Buddha, which is a dark green statue standing about 26 inches tall or about
06:2966 centimeters, is an important religious symbol of Thai society.
06:33It's carved from a single block of jade, and it dates back to the 15th century, though
06:37the myths surrounding it are much older.
06:40Despite the royal family moving their official residence to the Dusit Palace in the early
06:4420th century, the grand palace continues to be used for a variety of official events.
06:49It too remains the symbol of creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people, and it stands
06:53as a reminder of the fascinating cultural, historical, and spiritual identity of the
06:57country.
06:5811.
06:59BUCKINGHAM PALACE, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM Buckingham Palace in central London in the
07:05UK is probably the most recognizable symbol of the British monarchy, and it's a focal
07:10point for state occasions and royal hospitality.
07:13It is said to be the second most valuable home in the world.
07:17It served as the official London residence of the UK's sovereigns since about 1837,
07:22and is currently the administrative headquarters of the monarch.
07:25Originally known as Buckingham House, the building at the core of today's palace was
07:29a large townhouse built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham.
07:33In 1761, it was acquired by King George III as a private residence for Queen Charlotte
07:38and became known as the Queen's House.
07:41Over the years, it underwent significant changes, and today, Buckingham Palace reportedly has
07:46rooms including 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices,
07:54and 78 bathrooms.
07:56It's a place that feels special from the approach, with the balcony of Buckingham Palace, from
08:01where the royal family acknowledges the crowds on occasions, being one of the most famous
08:05balconies in the world.
08:07The interiors are a showcase of British art and furnishings, and pieces from all over
08:11the world, including works from the Royal Collection, which is one of the largest and
08:15most important collections on the planet.
08:17The state rooms form the heart of the working palace, and are used regularly by the king
08:22and members of the royal family for official and state entertaining.
08:25It is an active setting for state occasions, and it's here that the king performs many
08:29of his official duties as head of state of the United Kingdom.
08:32Every summer, the palace opens its doors to the public, offering visitors a glimpse into
08:36the royal lifestyle with tours of the state rooms and gardens.
08:40The changing of the guard in front of the palace also draws hundreds of thousands of
08:43visitors every year, keen to witness this famous display of royal pageantry.
08:4810.
08:50Asan Manzil, Dhaka, Bangladesh Asan Manzil, which can be seen on the banks
08:55of the Muranganga River in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was originally the official residence, palace,
09:00and seat of the Dhaka Nawab family, but now it has been preserved as a national museum.
09:06Constructed in 1872 by Nawab Abdul Ghani, the richest landowner of Dhaka, Asan Manzil
09:12is named after his son, Khawaja Asanullah.
09:14The architecture here is a stunning example of the Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture,
09:19a style that blends Mughal architecture elements with British Raj trends, and it was designed
09:25by a local engineer named Gobinda Chandra Roy, and incorporates a distinctive dome.
09:30The palace complex was, however, severely damaged by a tornado in 1888.
09:35It was rebuilt and restored to its former glory.
09:38Again in 1985, after decades of neglect following the departure of the Nawab family at the partition
09:43of 1947, the government of Bangladesh undertook its restoration.
09:47Spanning two floors, it is divided into two parts.
09:50The eastern side contains the Rangmahal, or the residential part of the palace, and the
09:54western side houses the Darbar Hall, a place for holding official and ceremonial gatherings.
10:00The Darbar Hall, with its high ceiling, is particularly famous for its unusual octagonal
10:05dome.
10:06Today, the museum inside offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyles of the Nawabs
10:10of Dhaka.
10:11This museum exhibits photographs, furniture, utensils, and clothing, which provide insights
10:16into the history of the region.
10:18Inside you'll find intricate floral patterns, beautifully carved wooden stairs, and the
10:22fusion of colored glass, all of which reflect the artistic and cultural trends of the time.
10:27The grounds of this palace are just as impressive.
10:30It features a well-maintained garden that offers a retreat from the bustling city life,
10:34and the location of the palace along the river also highlights the historical importance
10:38of river trade to the economy of Dhaka during the 19th century.
10:439.
10:44SUMMER PALACE, BEIJING, CHINA When you think of palaces in Beijing, you
10:48may immediately summon images of the Forbidden Palace, but in many ways there are plenty
10:53of others that are even more impressive.
10:55One of these is the Summer Palace, which was established during the Jin Dynasty in the
10:5912th century, and subsequently extensively renovated and expanded during the Qing Dynasty
11:04by Emperor Qianlong.
11:06It now stands as a magnificent example of an artistic approach to garden landscaping
11:10and the harmonious existence of nature and architecture.
11:14It covers an area of approximately 1.1 square miles, and the main features of the Summer
11:18Palace are Longevity Hill and the expansive Kunming Lake.
11:22Originally, it was a garden, and it was designed to achieve harmony with nature, creating a
11:27tranquil retreat.
11:29The design incorporates elements that are integral to traditional Chinese philosophy
11:33and style, and it's a perfect recreation of natural landscapes.
11:37The most iconic feature inside this palace is the Long Corridor.
11:40At almost 2,300 feet or 700 meters in length, it's decorated with more than 14,000 paintings
11:47that depict scenes from classical literature, Chinese mythology, landscapes, and episodes
11:52from the country's history.
11:53The complex is also known for its elaborate architectural structures.
11:57The Marble Boat, a pavilion built during the reign of Empress Dowager Cixi in the late
12:0119th century, is a symbol of stability and solidity.
12:06Another impressive structure is the Tower of Buddhist Incense, which sits on top of
12:09Longevity Hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding gardens.
12:14Throughout the grounds, the Summer Palace has numerous smaller pavilions, halls, palaces,
12:18temples, and bridges, each uniquely designed and decorated, and contributing to the overall
12:23aesthetic and cultural richness of the site.
12:26It's unsurprising, then, that in 1998 it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
12:31and it remains one of the most important cultural treasures in China.
12:34Today, it's a public park where visitors can explore its paths, pavilions, and halls,
12:39and enjoy the same sense of tranquility and beauty that royalty once did.
12:448.
12:46Drottningholm Palace, Lövan, Sweden Drottningholm Palace, which is on the island
12:51of Lövan near Stockholm, Sweden, has been the private residence of the Swedish royal
12:55family since the late 20th century.
12:58Built in the late 16th century, but largely reconstructed in the late 17th century, Drottningholm
13:03is a wonderfully preserved example of the architectural and garden styles typical of
13:07European Baroque periods.
13:09The palace was originally built for Queen Hedvig Eleonora, who was a great patron of
13:13the arts and commissioned the palace's construction as a symbol of her status and influence.
13:18The design is to reflect the ambition to demonstrate power and taste with a level of the most sophisticated
13:24courts of Europe.
13:25The interior is well-known for its stucco work and luxurious tapestries.
13:30One of the most spectacular features here, though, is the theater.
13:33The Drottningholm Palace Theater, built in the 18th century, is one of the few of its
13:37era to retain its original stage machinery, scenery, and decor.
13:41It's still used for performances today, providing audiences with a unique glimpse into historical
13:46operatic productions.
13:48The palace complex also includes a Chinese pavilion, which is a great example of the
13:52European interpretation of Chinese architecture during the 18th century.
13:56Taking inspirations from China was fashionable among European royalty at the time, and the
14:00pavilion, with interiors decorated with East Asian and European lacquerwork and porcelain,
14:05are surrounded by lush gardens, one of the best examples you can see.
14:10The gardens of Drottningholm are just as impressive as the palace.
14:13They feature meticulously sculpted hedges, ornate statues, and water features, and it's
14:18like being transported into a different world.
14:20In 1991, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's recognized for its
14:25well-preserved architecture and direct association with the history of the Swedish royal family.
14:30It stands as a cultural landmark, and a kind of living museum of the historical currents
14:35that have shaped Sweden over the centuries.
14:38Moving on to number 7, Prince's Palace of Monaco.
14:42Monaco may well be one of the smallest areas in the world, but it sure makes up for that
14:45with its opulence.
14:47The Prince's Palace of Monaco is sat prominently on a rocky cliff overlooking the waters of
14:51the Mediterranean, and it's been the primary residence of the Grimaldi family for over
14:55seven centuries, both being a private home and a seat of Monaco's royal power.
15:00It was originally constructed in 1191 as a Genoese fortress.
15:04This palace has undergone numerous renovations and expansions throughout its history, reflecting
15:09changes in architectural styles and tastes of its occupants.
15:13Inside it's a treasure trove of art and history, with rooms that are decorated with frescoes,
15:18intricate tapestries, and exquisite furnishings.
15:21One of the more interesting parts of the palace is the Hercule Gallery, which features frescoes
15:26painted in the early 16th century by the Genoese artist Horacio de Farari.
15:30This gallery highlights the Italian influence on Madagascar culture, showcasing scenes from
15:35mythology and the renaissance of love of classical antiquity.
15:39The exterior of the palace is just as grand.
15:42The stately entryway, laid out with a double staircase, leads to the state apartments and
15:47provides a setting for official ceremonies and events.
15:50The changing of the guard ceremony performed daily is a colorful tradition that's changed
15:54very little over the centuries, but it continues to amaze visitors.
15:58Surrounding the palace are terraced gardens that offer views of the port and Monte Carlo,
16:02and these gardens are meticulously maintained, featuring a variety of Mediterranean species
16:07that add to the scenic beauty of these grounds.
16:106.
16:11Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, India Hawa Mahal, which is also known as the Palace
16:16of Winds, is a stunning place in Jaipur, India.
16:19It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh.
16:23It's most famous for its unique exterior, which resembles a honeycomb hive that rises
16:28above the urban landscape.
16:30The palace forms part of the city palace complex, in the form of the Crown of Krishna, the Hindu
16:35god.
16:36Hawa Mahal is five stories tall, and it's constructed from red and pink sandstone, in
16:40line with Jaipur's characteristic blush-colored architectural theme.
16:44It features a series of 953 windows, or jharkas, which are beautifully decorated with intricate
16:50latticework.
16:51This level of detail wasn't just for an aesthetic appeal, but it did serve a practical purpose,
16:55as it allowed the royal ladies, who adhere to a strict face-covering tradition, to observe
16:59everyday life and festivals celebrated.
17:02The structure is also very clever in the way that the engineering allowed it to function
17:06as a natural cooler.
17:07The façade, with its many windows and screened balconies, created a ventilation system that
17:12draws cool air inside, making the palace a bit of a refuge from the intense heat.
17:17This architectural feature is an early form of air conditioning, and it's why the building
17:22was called the Palace of the Winds.
17:24Interestingly, the palace doesn't have stairs to connect its floors, and instead features
17:28ramps.
17:29The top offers wonderful views of the city, including a sight of the city palace to one
17:33side and Sarai Dori Bazaar to the other.
17:36The interior of the Hawamahal is relatively more modest and straightforward compared to
17:39its ornate exterior, though.
17:41It is steeped in cultural symbolism and heritage, reflecting both the architectural tradition
17:47and the cultural trends of the time, showing the ruling family's patronage of the arts
17:51and creativity, but also the importance of showing off their wealth and ability.
17:565.
17:57PUNAKA DZONG, Bhutan Punaka Dzong, which is also called the Palace
18:02of Great Happiness or Bliss, is a structure that stands where the Pochu and Mochu rivers
18:07meet in the Punaka Valley of Bhutan.
18:10With its strategic location, the Dzong is not only a significant administrative center,
18:15but also a symbolic heart of Bhutanese spiritual and cultural life.
18:19Constructed from 1637 to 1638 by Sabdrong Nawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan as a
18:25nation-state, Punaka Dzong is one of the oldest and most important Dzongs in the country.
18:30Its architecture is a perfect example of Bhutanese craftsmanship.
18:33It combines both functionality and spiritual symbolism.
18:37The structure is massive, yet elegant, with its towering whitewashed walls that stand
18:42six ores high.
18:43Its wooden details are intricately carved and painted in vibrant colors, featuring traditional
18:48Buddhist symbols and motifs.
18:49Inside, it has many precious relics from the days when it served as the religious and administrative
18:54center of the region.
18:55It contains all the sacred relics of the Drukpa lineage and the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism,
19:00as well as the sacred remains of Nawang Namgyal and the Tertan Pemalingpa, features of immense
19:05historical and spiritual significance in Bhutan.
19:09The main courtyard, known as the Duchi, is a large open area that's surrounded by administrative
19:13and monastic buildings, and it's the site of the festivals that take place there.
19:17Among these events is a vibrant annual festival that reenacts the 17th century battle in which
19:22Bhutanese forces repelled Tibetan invaders.
19:25This festival is a spectacular display of color and culture, showcasing a series of
19:30intricate mask dances and traditional music.
19:33The festival serves as a spiritual cleansing, but also as a living museum of Bhutanese culture
19:38and as a way of preserving its traditions and stories in a living form.
19:43Number 4.
19:44Palacio Nacional de Penha, Portugal The Palacio Nacional de Penha, or Penha National
19:49Palace, is one of the more unusual-looking palaces in the world.
19:53It stands on top of the Sintra Mountains in Portugal, with its vibrant exterior and elaborate
19:58decorations.
20:00It is a major expression of 19th-century Romanticism and one of Portugal's most visited monuments.
20:06It was constructed in the 1840s under the guidance of King Ferdinand II, who wanted
20:10to transform the ruins of a former monastery into a summer residence for the Portuguese
20:15royal family.
20:16The result was a whimsical fusion of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish, and Renaissance influences
20:22wrapped in vividly painted terraces, ornate windows, and mythical statues, making it truly
20:27a one-of-a-kind place.
20:29The exterior is split into two wings, the older section of the monastery and the newer
20:33edition completed by King Ferdinand.
20:35These parts are distinctly marked by their architectural styles.
20:39The restored monastery, with its cloisters, chapels, and clock tower, retains the essence
20:43of the original 16th-century structure, incorporating Moorish motifs.
20:48The newer section, however, reflects the king's more extravagant vision with its vivid colors,
20:53ornate stone carvings, and towers that seem to reach for the skies.
20:56The interior continues with the theme, with each room an echo of royal tastes and artistic
21:02influences.
21:03The Arab room, with its intricate stucco work, reflects Islamic art, while the bedrooms,
21:08used by the royal family, feature ornate furniture and decorative art from the 19th century.
21:12The palace also features a series of colored glazed tiles that date back to the 15th and
21:1716th centuries, and they showcased one of the most traditional components of Portuguese
21:21architecture and craft.
21:23Surrounding the palace are the Peña Park Gardens, which is a huge forested area covering
21:27about 500 acres.
21:28With hidden paths, mystical ornaments, and surprising views, the park complements the
21:33palace's architectural fantasy.
21:35It includes a variety of trees from all over the world that have been collected by King
21:39Ferdinand and are now carefully cared for.
21:423.
21:43The Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia The Winter Palace, in Russia, on the banks
21:48of the Neva River, served as the official residence of the Russian monarchs from 1732
21:54to 1917.
21:55It now forms part of the complex of buildings that houses the Hermitage Museum, which is
22:00one of the world's oldest and largest museums of art and culture.
22:04The Winter Palace was constructed in a flamboyant Baroque style between 1754 and 1762, during
22:10the reign of Empress Elizabeth, the daughter of Peter the Great.
22:14The palace's green and white exterior extends for 700 feet, or 215 meters, and is simply
22:19enormous.
22:21The building stands four stories high and contains over 1,500 rooms, over 1,700 doors,
22:26and over 1,900 windows.
22:28Inside, the palace's many staterooms are brought to life with ornate decorations, including
22:33gold leaf frescoed ceilings and elaborate parquet floors.
22:38Among the most famous rooms is the Great Nicholas Hall, often used for balls and concerts, and
22:43the Malachite Room, which is known for its extensive use of the green semi-precious stone.
22:48Throughout its history, it wasn't only a luxurious residence, but also a cultural and political
22:52center.
22:53It was here that events unfolded, including the Bloody Sunday Massacre in 1905, which
22:58marked the beginning of the revolution that led to the fall of Tsardom.
23:02The palace itself was stormed in 1917 during the October Revolution, a pivotal event in
23:07Russian history, leading to the establishment of the Soviet state.
23:11In the post-revolutionary period, the Winter Palace was transformed into the museum and
23:16officially opened to the public in 1922, and today, this museum holds an extensive collection
23:21of art, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Rembrandt, as well
23:26as an impressive selection of Western European sculptures and paintings.
23:312.
23:32Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan The Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan is the
23:38main residence of the Emperor of Japan, and it's a significant cultural landmark.
23:43In a city that's otherwise an enormous concrete jungle of skyscrapers, this palace is surrounded
23:48by maintained parks, moats, and massive stone walls, and is a perfect example of traditional
23:53Japanese architecture.
23:55Originally the site of Edo Castle, the residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns who ruled Japan from
24:001603 to 1867, the area was transformed into the Imperial Palace after the Meiji Restoration,
24:07and Emperor Meiji moved the imperial capital from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1868.
24:12The current palace buildings, though, were mostly constructed in the 1960s, as the earlier
24:16structures were destroyed during the Second World War.
24:19The complex is large for one that's in a capital city, covering an area of approximately half
24:24a square mile, or just over a square kilometer.
24:26It includes several main buildings, such as the kyuden, or imperial residence, which is
24:30used for official events and receptions, and the private residence where the imperial family
24:35lives.
24:36With architecture that's a blend of modern functionality and traditional design, the
24:40main palace buildings, constructed with modern materials, are designed in a style that pays
24:45homage to traditional Japanese principles, such as simplicity and harmony with nature.
24:51One of the most famous features of the Imperial Palace is the nijubashi, which are the two
24:55bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds.
24:58The stone bridge in front and the iron bridge behind create a view that's an image that's
25:03often used as a symbol of the palace and of Japanese monarchy.
25:07The surrounding gardens, particularly the east garden, are part of the original Edo
25:11castle grounds, and they're open to the public, showcasing classic Japanese garden design
25:15with large ponds, bushes, and seasonal flowers that bloom throughout the year.
25:20Although the inner grounds of the palace aren't open to the public except for two days of
25:23the year, tourists can visit the east gardens and view the exterior of the palace buildings.
25:28The limited access adds to the mystique of the place, making these viewing opportunities
25:32highly anticipated by both Japanese citizens and international visitors.
25:371.
25:38The Palace of Versailles, France The French royal family will, of course,
25:43go down in history as being one of the most opulent of all, and while the country no longer
25:47has a monarch, their historical influence can still be seen throughout.
25:51Of all the structures that remain, it's the Palace of Versailles that is undoubtedly the
25:56most impressive, and perhaps it's no surprise that it's one of the most visited tourist
26:00sites on the planet.
26:02Located just outside Paris in Versailles, it was originally a modest hunting lodge built
26:06by Louis XIII.
26:08It was, though, transformed into a palace by his son, Louis XIV, who moved the French
26:12court and the government there in 1682.
26:15The palace became the center of political power in France until the royal family was
26:18forced to return to Paris during the French Revolution in 1789.
26:22The architecture and design of Versailles represent the pinnacle of French Baroque art
26:27and influence royal residences throughout Europe.
26:30Its expansive layout includes the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, and the Opera,
26:35and each of these spaces was meticulously planned and decorated to showcase the glory
26:40and power of the Sun King, Louis XIV.
26:43The Hall of Mirrors, with its 357 mirrors opposite 17 windows overlooking the gardens,
26:49is typical of the grandeur of Versailles.
26:52Speaking of the gardens, the gardens of Versailles cover almost 2,000 acres, and they're a prime
26:56example of the French formal garden style.
26:59These designed gardens feature symmetrical patterns, manicured lawns, statues, fountains,
27:05and canals, which mirror the authority and control exerted by the king.
27:09Now beyond its stunning architecture and the gardens, Versailles became a stage for elaborate
27:14ceremonies, parties, and affairs of state, each orchestrated by Louis XIV as a means
27:19of maintaining authority and impressing visitors.
27:22The daily rituals, such as the king's morning greeting and his evening retirement, were
27:27attended by courtiers and kept the king at the center of day-to-day life.
27:32Versailles is clearly a magnificent place, and one that became a symbol of the French
27:35royalty, which perhaps partly led to the revolution.
27:39Still, its influence has endured, even being the site of where the Treaty of Versailles,
27:44which ended World War I, was signed in the Hall of Mirrors, further cementing its place
27:48in global history.
27:50Thanks for watching everyone, I'll see you next time.
27:54Thank you to our channel members.