Originally built as a hunting castle for Louis XIII (1601–1643), Versailles was extended and made into his palace of residence by Louis XIV (1638–1715), who used the palace for his self-representation and to demonstrate his power ambitions.
Versailles seen from the park, colour photograph, 2007, photographer: Marc Vassal; source: Wikimedia Commons, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Versailles_chateau.jpg.
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