Ancient palaces. Schwerin Castle, Germany. Schönbrunn, Vienna, Austria

The palace is a luxurious residence where members of royal families, heads of state or other dignitaries live. Sometimes their beauty and splendor are so striking that the imagination easily draws pictures of the past, allowing you to plunge into the atmosphere of bygone days. We offer an overview of the most beautiful royal palaces in the world.

In 1838, King Ferdinand II decided to build a summer residence for the royal family, and since by that time the property of most religious orders had been confiscated, there was no question of choosing a place. Pena Palace in Portugal appeared on the site of the ruins of a monastery destroyed during the earthquake of 1755. It stands on top of a rocky hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and gardens.

The author of the project is the German architect Baron Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege. This is a real mix of architectural styles. They say that this customer urged to make the most of medieval elements preserved from the monastery. However, here you can also find elements Arabic architecture that turn the castle into a decoration oriental tales. In 1889, the state bought the palace, and after the revolution of 1910, it was categorized national monuments and turned into a museum. The rooms look exactly the same as they did when the front door closed behind the last king.

The palace, which is also called the Amba Vilas Palace, is located in the city of Mysore in southern India. This is the official residence of the Wodeyars, the former royal family of Mysore. The city has many attractions, it is often called the city of palaces, but darker less the term "Mysore Palace" refers to only one - located in the old fort. The current version of the palace was built from 1897 to 1912. More than 2.7 million tourists come to admire it every year, although photography is prohibited inside.

The architectural style of the palace is most often described as Indo-Saracenic, which combined elements of Indian, Islamic and Gothic styles. It is a three-story gray granite building with pink marble domes and a five-story tower 44 meters high. Designed by Henry Irwin.

One of the most famous architectural monuments country in the 1960s became the main destination for the tourist influx in Vienna. Schönbrunn is a former imperial baroque summer residence. This is an incredibly huge palace, it has 1441 rooms. After the siege of Vienna by the Turks, it had to be rebuilt. The reconstruction lasted from 1696 to 1712 during the reign of Emperor Leopold I. The author of the project was the architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Under Maria Theresa, the palace underwent major changes. The interior is designed in the Rococo style (white surfaces decorated with 14 carat gold leaf ornaments, Bohemian glass chandeliers, tiled stoves.

The Summer Imperial Palace, covering an area of ​​2.9 square kilometers, is located just 15 kilometers from the center of the Chinese capital. Its name is translated from Chinese as "a garden to maintain health and harmony." It is the largest surviving royal complex in China.

The first time it was built in 1750, it suffered several times during the hostilities, especially in 1860, and was restored each time. The last version of the palace was created in 1886. It was he who was recognized as a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. In 1924 it was opened to tourists. On the territory of the complex there are more than 3,000 ancient man-made structures, including buildings with an area of ​​70,000 square meters. The natural landscape is harmoniously combined with artificial structures - pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges, forming a wonderful architectural ensemble.

The Palace of Versailles is palace and park ensemble, which grew out of a hunting lodge built by Louis XIII in 1624. This is an amazing example of French art of the 17th-18th centuries, its architecture is fully consistent with the traditional canons of classicism: symmetrical design, a facade with columns, antique and mythical sculptures. However, there are several elements in the Baroque style that bring fantasy notes to the classical style. Versailles is one of the largest and most luxurious palaces in the world. It has over 2000 rooms, 2143 windows, 1252 fireplaces and 67 staircases.

Built as a hunting estate for King Francis I, Chambord is one of the finest examples of french architecture the Renaissance. It took more than 30 years to build it. The author of the project is the Italian architect Domenico da Corton. This is the most Grand Palace in the vicinity of the Loire Valley, it has more than 440 rooms, 85 stairs, 800 sculptural columns.

Buckingham Palace‒ the official London residence of the British monarchs. It was originally Vacation home, built in 1705 by the Duke of Buckingham, who in 1761 was bought by King George III for his wife. In 1826 King Gerg IV asked famous architect John Nash expand the house. The first to move into the palace was Queen Victoria, who continued to finish building it. The new east wing boasts a huge number of rooms and a ballroom 40 meters long. It is the facade of the east wing that is depicted in most photographs known throughout the world. For visitors in August-September, 19 rooms, a ballroom and a garden are opened.

The Alhambra is an architectural and park ensemble located on a hilly terrace in the eastern part of the city of Granada in southern Spain. Originally it was a fortress built in 889, and only in 1333 Sultan Yusuf I turned it into a royal palace. Christian rulers did not refuse such beauty either. Emperor Charles V, who spent several months in Granada, began the construction of the palace that bears his name, and made changes to the interior of the existing structure. Subsequent rulers also did not forget to contribute their share to the reconstruction of the palace. In the 18-19 centuries, they forgot about it, and the castle turned into a haven for thieves and beggars, Napoleon's troops turned it into barracks. Only in 1870 it was proclaimed a national treasure. Since then, every year many tourists come to admire the amazing Spanish pearl.

Built on the hill of Marpo Ri, the Potala Palace is located above all the ancient palaces in the world - the highest point reaches 3767 meters. The palace is named after sacred mountain in India, whose name translates as "Buddha of Mercy". Legend has it that in the 7th century, the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo built a nine-story palace with a thousand rooms in honor of his bride Princess Wen Cheng. True, this palace was destroyed during numerous wars, and the one that appears before tourists now was built during the reign of the Qing Dynasty.

The palace consists of two parts: the Red Palace - the central building and the White Palace - two wings. The Red Palace is a religious part of the complex, consisting of halls, chapels and libraries on various levels, connected by small galleries and corridors. The White Palace serves as the administrative center where the Dalai Lama resides.

One of the most beautiful and largest royal palaces was built from 1406 to 1420. It served as the royal residence for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for almost 500 years. The complex consists of 980 buildings located on 720 thousand square meters. It is an example of traditional Chinese palace architecture.

At all times, people strived for prosperity, and kings and emperors lived in special luxury. The mansions that they once occupied have now acquired the status of museums and annually receive millions of tourists. We present you the largest palaces in the world that have survived to this day.

Palace of the Sultan of Istana-Nurul-Iman in Brunei Darussalam

The building combines Islamic architecture and modern finishes. The palace has 1778 rooms and several throne rooms. All rooms are illuminated by 51,000 lamps, connected by 18 elevators and 44 stairs. The Sultan's palace is completely decorated with gold accessories and fittings: even the buttons on the air conditioners and brushes for the bathroom are made of precious metal. Any visitor can get into the palace, but, according to Muslim traditions, only at the end of the month of Ramadan.

Royal Palace in Stockholm

Stockholm Palace erected on the foundation medieval castle"Three Crowns" (Tre Kronor) of the middle of the XIII century, destroyed by fire in 1697. The new palace was built for 57 years, until 1754: at that time it was the largest building project in all of Europe. The Royal Chambers are made in different styles: from Rococo, Baroque and Gustavian neo-classicism to eclectic styles of the 19th century. The editors of the site also invite you to learn about the most expensive residential buildings in the world.

The Purple Forbidden City in Beijing

The “Forbidden City” got its name due to limited access to its territory during the time of the empire, and even in the 19th century, almost all foreigners were forbidden to enter there. Restrictions were lifted only in 1900, when the Boxer, or Yihetuan, uprising was suppressed in Beijing against foreign interference in the economy, domestic politics and religious life of China in 1898-1901. At first, the uprising enjoyed the support of the Chinese authorities, but then Empress Cixi went over to the side of the Eight Powers Alliance, which crushed the uprising.

Documentary about the Forbidden Purple City

The Forbidden City had unique characteristics for its time: huge complex there were no chimneys. Initially, it was heated using a heating system located under the floor of buildings. They also heated with braziers with charcoal, which, when burned, did not emit smoke and smell.

Royal Palace in Amsterdam

For the construction of the castle, about 14 thousand wooden piles were laid in the foundation, while the walls were erected from yellow sandstone brought from Germany. Three floors are decorated with a dome with a weather vane, which is made in the form of a sea vessel. Inside the palace is decorated with marble. The central hall impresses with its size: the height of the ceilings there is 27.5 meters, and on the floor you can see images of the earth's hemispheres.

Now numerous galleries and halls exhibit paintings by Dutch artists: Govert Flinck, Rembrandt, Jacob Jordaens, Ferdinand Bol, Jan Lievens. By the way, it was for this palace that Rembrandt made his largest canvas, The Conspiracy of Julius Civilis, but it was not accepted and replaced by the unfinished painting by Govert Flink.

Grand Royal Palace in Bangkok

The building is divided into two parts, one for prayers and religious ceremonies, and the other for receptions. By order of Rama I, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the so-called personal royal temple, was built here. The Izmazad Buddha statue - the talisman of the dynasty of kings of Thailand - is made from a single piece of stone and three special golden robes. Three times a year the king changes his mantle at the statue.

One of the most beautiful palaces in the world, the Grand Palace was completed in 1783. At the same time, the palace was erected in a record short time - in a year. Since that time, Rama I and subsequent rulers lived and worked in the Great Royal Palace. The castle has an area of ​​more than 218 square meters and is surrounded by a wall of 1900 meters.

Winter Palace in St. Petersburg

Hundreds of thousands of tourists come to St. Petersburg every year

Winter Palace and Palace Square form an architectural ensemble of stunning beauty modern city and are one of the main objects of internal Russian and international tourism.
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At one time, when members of the royal family were born, they were allowed to "build" heaven on earth. With a huge amount of funds, they erected heaven on earth. You can see what came of it.

Chambord Castle (de Chambord)

Alhambra

Potala Palace
The history of the Potala dates back to the 7th century, when King Srontzen Gampo ordered the construction of a palace in the center of Lhasa, on Red Mountain. amo word "Potala" comes from Sanskrit, and means "Mystic Mountain". Potala is located at 3700 meters above sea level, its height is 115 meters, divided into 13 floors, the total area of ​​which is more than 130,000 square meters. There is no exact data on how many rooms and halls are in the Potala. Their number is "somewhere over a thousand", and there are very few people who have been able to get around them all. The Potala Palace is included in the UN World Heritage Book. Potala is open to tourists. Even a few incarnations are not enough to see all its relics and values ​​... Today, the Potala is a functioning palace-museum. It is served by monks who support the work of the entire complex. The whole building is divided into Red and White Palace. A myriad of stone, wood, gold and precious stones. Some of what is in the Potala can be seen in these photographs.

Palace of Versailles
Located 20 km southwest of Paris, the royal town of Versailles, better known as the Palace of Versailles, is a huge palace built by Louis XIV and has now become one of the most visited tourist destinations in France.
The idea of ​​building a new castle arose from the king because of the envy he experienced when he saw the castle of his finance minister in Vaux-le-Vicomte. As a result, the king made a firm decision that his palace should, of course, surpass the palace of the minister in luxury. He hired the same team of craftsmen that built Vaux-le-Vicomte, the architect Louis Lévaux, the painter Charles Lebrun and the landscape architect André Le Nôtre, and ordered them to build something that would surpass the size of the palace of Vaux-le-Vicomte a hundred times. The Palace of Versailles has become the apotheosis of the indulgence of the whims of the French monarchs, and although you may not quite like the environment in which the extravagant and self-loving “Sun King” wished to live, the historical significance of this palace is enormous, the stories associated with it are truly fascinating, and the park around the palace is simply charming.

Summer Palace, China
One of the most famous parks in China is, of course, the Yiheyuan Park, the Summer Imperial Palace, located near Beijing. The park itself dates back to the fifteenth century, over the centuries it was gradually filled with beautiful buildings, something disappeared, something reappeared, several times the Park was severely destroyed and rose again from the ashes. In particular, it was restored in the nineteenth century by Empress Cixi. Today, the Park has been beautifully restored and allows everyone who enters its territory to enjoy the beauty of Chinese nature and architecture.
There are an incredible number of buildings in the park, and all of them are worthy of attention. This is Zhenshuudian - a beautiful building where the emperor lived (there is a beautiful throne), and several other palaces, and many temples - for example, Fosyange Temple (temple of incense smoking to the glory of Buddha). By the way, it is the Foxiangge Temple that is often associated with Yiheyuan Park and is almost its symbol. There are also several pavilions for various purposes, and gates, and many gardens, and the Jade Belt Bridge ...

Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace, located in the immediate suburbs of the capital of Austria, Vienna, until 1918 was the summer residence of the monarchs from the Habsburg dynasty. The palace, as well as the garden around it, is an excellent example of Austrian Baroque architecture and still attracts the attention of a huge number of tourists. The very name of the place (Schönbrunn - beautiful, delightful) fully reflects the expectations that its royal owners put into it.
The history of imperial Schönbrunn begins in 1569, the year the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire Maximilian II of Habsburg bought part of the floodplain of the Vienna River between the villages of Meidling and Hietzing in order to turn this area into his hunting ground. Pheasants, ducks, wild boars and even deer were kept here, fish were bred in specially created ponds.
For almost a century, the estate was used as a place for unpretentious country recreation and hunting, and the small Catterburg Castle, which was left from the previous owners, was used as a house for accommodation.
Only by the time of Eleonora Gonzaga (wife of Emperor Ferdinand II) did the first significant reconstructions take place: in 1638-1643, in addition to the castle, a small palace was also built, and a greenhouse appeared in the park.
During the reign of the next emperor, Leopold, here, according to the project of the most famous Austrian architect of the Baroque era, Johan Fischer von Erlach, the construction of a much more grand and extensive building (1696-1712) began. It was intended, however, not for Leopold, but for his son Joseph. Due to well-known financial difficulties (there was a war for the Spanish Succession) and the death of Emperor Leopold, the palace was not completely finished. The next owner of Schönbrunn, Emperor Charles VI, visited here on short trips, and used this palace exclusively as a hunting lodge. In the end, he gave it to his daughter Maria Theresa (later also the Empress), whose name is associated with the most brilliant era in the history of Schönbrunn.

mysore palace
The main palace of Mysore was erected in 1897. Then the city of Mysore was the center of the kingdom of Mysore (Mysore / Mysuru). Nowadays, the palace is illuminated in the evening (on Sundays) by 96,000 40-watt bulbs, and darkness reigns around it for contrast. :-) There are many (five or six) Vedic temples on the territory of the palace. I was in one of them (and even bought prasadam there), I really liked it. There is a sense of the presence of God. You can see a short puja... The whole territory of the Mysore palace is very beautiful. Clean and bright. For tourists there are elephant and camel rides. But me more interesting temples. :-) Well, architecture. In the depths of the palace territory there lives a herd of domestic elephants, they can be seen in the photographs. True, it was already dark, and I could not get close to them ...

Pena Palace
Lost in the hills of Sintra and often hidden in a veil of mist and mist, National Palace Pena (Palácio Nacional de Pena) is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and is one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. The building of the palace was conceived as a monastery and built by order of King Manuel I. For several centuries it remained a small peaceful monastery, intended for spiritual exercises of no more than eighteen monks. After the building was struck by lightning, and in 1755 it was damaged by an earthquake, the monastery was destroyed and abandoned. In 1838, King Ferdinand II bought old monastery and all the nearby woods and grounds, and began the construction of what is sometimes referred to as an insane fad and fairytale castle, suitable only for Disneyland and completely impractical. Construction began in 1842 and lasted twelve years. After the death of Ferdinand, the palace changed hands several times, until finally in 1910 the state bought it out to turn it into a museum. Today Pena Palace is one of the most visited attractions in Portugal, easily recognizable by its vibrant colors.

Forbidden City
Forbidden City is a complex of buildings in China. Located in the capital Beijing. It is located in the city center, very close to Tiananmen. This complex was built during the Ming government, which ruled China between 1368 - 1644 and into last time Chinese citizen of dynasties. Currently, the Forbidden City is called the Palace Museum. The city is surrounded by walls and a moat. Throughout the city are measured 960 meters long and 760 meters wide. All buildings of this complex are located on the north-south. To the north, the Forbidden City Lunch opens the gate, which is still on the high gate. Around the middle of the complex are followed by a group of ceremonial buildings - the Hall of the Supreme Harmony, which was built in 1627 and which hosted coronation rites, birthdays and New Year celebration of the emperor. In addition to the hall, in perfect harmony, in which the emperor prepared for the ceremony, the hall is the guard of harmony. In addition to the ceremonial part of the private imperial. It is separated from the Gate of Heavenly Purity, and also consists of 3 buildings - the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the residential palace of the Earth world, and is located between Big hall connections. In 1911 it was inaccessible to the Forbidden City. Only after the fall of the dynasty were available for ordinary people. Since 1987 it has been a Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Buckingham Palace
The world-famous Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the Queen of England - Her Majesty Elizabeth II. But this is not just the main palace of the country, not only the place of work of the queen, where for more than forty years she has been acting head of the British state and the Commonwealth of nations, the supreme commander of the armed forces and the secular head Anglican Church. First of all, it is the residence of the English queen and her family. Buckingham Palace

Palaces are large residences of royalty and representatives of the highest nobility.
They are intended primarily to demonstrate influence and their own greatness. The rich and powerful have the opportunity and means to perpetuate their individuality in architecture. The world today is simply dotted with spectacular grandiose palaces.

Forum-Grad presents the ten most luxurious palaces ever erected on earth.

10. Incomparable Palace

Henry VIII, a man who zealously revered his own power, could not reconcile himself to the idea that he was a less powerful monarch than his continental rivals. The palaces he inherited were connected to the dark deeds of his predecessors, so he decided to build one that would be in keeping with royal status.
This residence was created to be the jewel in the crown of Renaissance architecture. No building was like it in the whole world. Therefore, Henry decided to call his palace NonSuch (Incomparable).
The cost of it was absolutely stunning, and the results exceeded all expectations of the monarch. It was the greatest castle in Britain from 1538 to 1682. Today, almost nothing remains of it, except for fragments that were used to build other buildings.

9.Domus Aurea - Golden House of Nero

Domus Aurea is a palace complex with parks that belonged to the Roman emperor Nero. This is the largest residence of the monarch that has ever existed in Europe.

In overcrowded Rome ancient city on earth, there was little free space for the construction of magnificent palaces. However, after a devastating fire in 64 A.D. uh, who destroyed most aristocratic district on the Palatine Hill, the construction of the palace of the Golden House of Nero began. The word "palace" comes from the name "Palatina".

Nero's detractors, who, unfortunately for him, wrote history books, tell us that the monarch rejoiced at a time when the land around Rome burned. If this was true, it was only because he knew that the destruction of buildings would make it possible to claim enough land to build a palace worthy of himself.

Domus Aurea occupied a huge space, at least 400 thousand square meters. meters of the city, and included in the complex large swimming pool and farm estates to give the impression of a rural idyll that many Romans longed for.

The palace was dominated by rooms with exquisite frescoes, the entire residence was covered with gold, decorated with precious stones and ivory. On the shore man-made lake there was a 12-meter bronze statue of Nero. The territory was buried in gardens, and many miracles were created in the palace itself. For example, in one of the dining rooms a rotating ceiling was built, which made it possible to observe the movement of the stars without leaving the building.

When the monarch saw that the construction was completed, he exclaimed with his typical understatement: "Finally, I can live like a man!"

Golden Domus Aurea was called because of the gilded dome, which was first used in Rome, not only in the temple building. In addition, the walls and ceiling (vaults) were decorated with magnificent mosaics, which in the future will be widely used in the temples of Byzantium.

After his death, the residence was transferred to public use. The emperor's successors sought to wipe the palace off the face of the earth. The colossal statue of Nero was later removed from its site and melted down. The magnificent building is almost completely destroyed. On the site of the lake, an arena was built, which has come down to our time and is called the Colosseum.

Today, more than thirty underground halls have been restored and given to tourists.

“There is a danger of collapses, the Domus Aurea must be closed immediately!” Italian Minister for Cultural Values ​​Rocco Buttiglione recently announced. "Rome," he remarked, "is a great museum under open sky. Italy must … deal with its vast cultural heritage.”

Alhambra (which in Arabic Al Hamra means "Red Castle") is located in Grenada and is one of the best magnificent architectural structures Spain.

This name, most likely, indicates the color of the brick from which the walls of the castle were laid. This ancient mosque and fortress, built by Moorish rulers to defend against Muslim invaders in the 14th century, served as the seat of government for several of the Sultans of Grenada. The architectural monument was made in a typical Moorish style and decorated with complex ornaments.

A notable feature of the castle is the use of indoor parks, gardens and fountains, which create a feeling of lightness throughout the complex - an innovation completely unknown to European architecture of the time. But main feature, which most impresses modern visitors, the skillful refinement in the most intricate details. The domed roof of the Hall of Abencerrages, for example, is decorated with over five thousand carvings.

Later, when the re-conquest of Spain by the Christians took place, the castle, having undergone some changes, was used by the Spanish royal family.

Winter in St. Petersburg was the official residence for the tsars and emperors of Russia. It was created by the great architect Rastrelli in 1762.

The palace has over 1,500 rooms, the largest of which could accommodate 10,000 people.

The most luxurious in terms of decoration can be called the Romanov Gallery with portraits of the reigning persons of the Romanov dynasty. St George's Hall It is notable for the fact that there is a golden throne with the imperial coat of arms in it, and it itself is decorated with magnificent beauty of chandeliers and marble columns. The winter garden of the palace was fragrant with many tropical plants, which were adjacent to local and northern trees.

The width of the facade is about 250 meters. The huge royal chambers have 1786 doors, 117 stairs and 1945 windows.

Under Nicholas I, the building was subjected to an unprecedented fire. The magnificent decoration of a high-ranking residence has perished. The fire took away an entire era from the history of Russia. A year and a half later, the revival of the Winter Palace began. The architect had to not only restore, but also expand it in a short time, emphasizing the highest power of the Russian Empire.

The Large and Small Throne Rooms, the Armorial Hall, the gallery were restored. Patriotic War 1812, Malachite drawing room, the interior of which has survived to this day.

During the revolution of 1917, Russian history changed dramatically forever - all royal family was shot. The Provisional Government was located in Zimny, and after the assault on the night of October 25-26, it was brutally looted. And only on October 30, 1917, the new government declared the Winter Museum a State Museum.

6. Blenheim Palace (Blenheim)

This is one of the largest palaces in the UK, which, in fact, has never been a royal house. It was built between 1705 and 1724 and was the family home of the Dukes of Marlborough. This is the largest palace and park complex England is located on the outskirts of Woodstock, Oxfordshire.

It was presented to the first duke who distinguished himself in the War of the Spanish Succession. One of the largest private estates in Britain, this was the home of Winston Churchill, a descendant of the duke who was born within its walls in 1874.

Today, the Marlborough heir and his family occupy the entire east wing of this luxurious estate.

Nowadays, tourists can visit the sights of the palace. As an added bonus, the duke who now lives there often wanders around the area and chats with visitors.

5. Potala Palace (Potala)

The history of this estate dates back to the 7th century, when the local ruler ordered to erect in the center of the city of Lhasa (in Tibet), on Red Mountain, a magnificent royal house, which was also a temple Buddhist complex. The word "Potala" itself is translated from Sanskrit as " mystic mountain". This is the highest castle in the world - 115 meters, located at 3700 meters above sea level. The building is divided into 13 floors, occupying a total area of ​​over 130,000 square meters. meters. And the entire palace ensemble spread over 360 thousand square meters. meters.

No one knows the exact data on the number of halls and rooms available here. They say that their number is about more than a thousand, and very few people will be found who can get around them all. The Potala Palace has been included in the UN World Heritage Book. This place in Tibet is open to tourists. To fully examine its values ​​and relics, even a few lives will not be enough ...

Today it is a functioning museum, where the monks support the work of the entire historical ensemble. The majestic building is divided into the White and Red Palaces, which were built in different time. An incalculable amount of stone, gold, wood and precious stones were spent on the construction. Some of the heritage presented in the Potala can be seen in these photographs.

The Tokyo Palace Complex is a private representation of the emperors of Japan after moving to the Japanese capital from Kyoto. Though it can perhaps be called the least visually impressive palace on this list as it only has two floors. Despite this, it is the most important attraction in the capital of Japan. Its cost is many times more than in the US the entire state of California. The area of ​​the castle, together with the gardens, is 7.41 square meters. kilometers.

During the Edo period, it was the residence of the shoguns. That is why it used to be called Edo Castle. It is surrounded by an old park, high fortress walls and moats filled with water. All this was intended to protect the castle of the emperor, who was considered the vicegerent of God on earth, from the hustle and bustle of the modern populous metropolis.

It is also interesting that the ensemble is built in several styles. Some of his buildings are made in the European architectural style, while others are purely Japanese.

It was once the summer home of the Habsburg emperors and is located on the west side of the capital Vienna. It was completed in its current form during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa, mother of Marie Antoinette. Mozart at the age of six played his compositions for the Empress in the Hall of Mirrors, and later asked her permission to marry Antoinette.

The palace has more than 1440 rooms, 40 of which are allowed for tourists, and a huge labyrinth of gardens one and a half kilometers long. The oldest zoo in the world, founded in 1752, is located on the territory. Despite a large number of rooms, there was no kitchen within the palace. All food preparation was done in another building, and servants carried food to the main building.

For 500 years, these buildings belonged to Chinese emperors. They are located in the center of Beijing and are the largest surviving palace ensembles in the world - more than twice the size of the Vatican. Its total area is 720 thousand square meters. kilometers. The complex was built in the traditional Chinese style and, according to legend, contains about 9999 rooms.

Life in the Forbidden City was highly regulated during the time of the emperors: for example, people of different strata had to eat from bowls of different colors. Golden (yellow) bowls were only allowed to the emperor and empress.

After the abdication of the last emperor in 1912, he was within the city until 1924. Magnificent Old summer palace was supposedly one of the wonders of the world that the Europeans destroyed during the Second Opium War as punishment for torturing British negotiators.

1. Versailles (Versailles).

The Palace of Versailles, located near Paris, was originally a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII in 1632. his successor Louis XIV decided in 1661 to expand it and turn it into a sparkling, magnificent royal castle. To do this, they drained 800 hectares of marshland, built a grandiose tower, planted gardens, alleys, flower beds, created fountains, lakes on 100 hectares of the territory surrounding the palace complex. Then Versailles became synonymous with luxury.

30,000 workers participated in the construction. A huge amount of money was spent, only 10,500 tons of silver. Modern experts translated this money into the current currency and came up with a figure equal to 259.56 billion euros, despite the fact that the construction was carried out in a austerity regime.

From 1666 the castle served as the residence of the kings of France until 1789. When, at the request of the Parisian intelligentsia and the nobility, the king moved to live in Paris, Versailles ceased to be the administrative center of the country. In 1801, it was declared a museum and opened to tourists. Versailles is also famous as the place where the peace treaty was signed, thanks to which the first World War And Civil War in USA.

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Nansach Palace (Incomparable)

The great monarch Henry VIII could not bear the thought of considering himself a less powerful monarch than his continental rivals. And so, he decided to build a palace that would be equal to him in status.

To date, nothing remains of the palace, except for fragments invested in other buildings (it stood from 1538 to 1682).

Ninth place in the list of the most famous palaces in the world is Nero's Golden House - a palace and park complex that belonged to the Roman emperor Nero. This is one of the largest urban residences of monarchs ever built in Europe.

Alhambra

The Alhambra Palace is a famous architectural and park ensemble located in the city of Granada in southern Spain, served as a residence for the Muslim Nasrid dynasty. The palace was built in typical Moorish style and decorated with intricate stonework.

The Winter Palace is located in the city of St. Petersburg, was the official winter residence of Russian emperors. The palace has 1084 rooms, 1945 windows, 117 stairs (including secret ones). The height of the Winter Palace is 23.5 meters. It is interesting that in the basements and premises of the State Hermitage about 50 cats are officially serving.

Blenheim Palace is the family estate of the Dukes of Marlborough, built in 1705-1724. It is one of the largest palace and park ensembles in England. Located on the outskirts of Woodstock in Oxfordshire. In the walls of the palace in 1874, a descendant of the duke, Winston Churchill, was born. Today, the 11th Duke of Marlborough and his family occupy the eastern wing of the palace complex.

Potala

Potala Palace - royal palace and Buddhist temple complex, located in the city of Lhasa in Tibet, was the traditional residence of the Dalai Lama. Considered the tallest palace in the world. total area the palace complex is 360 thousand square meters. Currently, the Potala is a "synthesis" of two palaces built at different times. Today the palace is the most popular tourist place in Tibet.

In fourth place in the ranking of the most famous and incredible palaces peace is Imperial Palace, which is the main and official residence of the Japanese emperors. The total area of ​​this castle, together with the gardens, is 7.41 square meters. km. Although it is perhaps the least impressive palace on this list, which only has two floors, it is worth more than the cost of the entire state of California in the US.

Schönbrunn Palace is located in the western part of the city of Vienna, Austria. The palace has 1441 rooms, of which only 40 are open to tourists. On the territory there are gardens with labyrinths more than one and a half kilometers long, as well as the oldest zoo in the world.

When Mozart was six years old, he played for the Empress Maria Theresa in the "Hall of Mirrors" of this castle.

For five hundred years, the Forbidden City served as a residence for many Chinese emperors. It is located in the heart of Beijing and is the largest surviving palace complex in the world - 720 thousand square meters. (almost twice the size of the Vatican). In the Forbidden City, there are 8707 rooms (according to legend - 9999).

Versailles

Versailles is considered the most famous palace in the world. This is a palace and park ensemble located a short drive from Paris, France. The famous palace was originally built as hunting lodge for King Louis XIII. But since 1661, the "sun king" wanted to expand the palace in order to use it as his permanent residence. The palace survived the French Revolution and today is one of the most popular attractions in the country.

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