Hall of mirrors, formal gardens, water games, large apartments: they look like Versailles but are in Spain, Germany or Italy. How did the largest castle in Europe when it was created spread to other latitudes, inspiring princes and the powerful? Guided tour of these other royal residences.
“I am curious to know how you will find Versailles, and if it will seem better to you than Saint-Ildephonse; so, ask me to get me out of curiosity.”
The request of Philippe V, grandson of Louis XIV and first Bourbon to reign over Spain, to his daughter Marie-Thérèse, dates from January 12, 1745, a year before his death.
The King of Spain himself does not hide his desire to measure the achievement of his life by the yardstick of his grandfather's jewel, the standard meter of palaces, gardens and fountains throughout Europe.
When her daughter answers her, she takes care not to designate any winner, but insists on the beauty of Spanish waters (1).
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