Tuileries Palace
The Tuileries Palace, also known as Palais des Tuileries, was a royal and imperial palace in Paris, France, which stood adjacent to the Louvre Museum on the right bank of the Seine River. Here are some key details about the palace:
History
- Construction: The palace was commissioned by Catherine de Medici in 1564. It was designed by architect Philibert de l'Orme and later expanded by other architects. Its construction took place over many years, with significant additions and alterations being made over time.
- Royal Residence: From 1667 to 1789, it served as the primary residence of the French monarchs. Notable residents included Louis XIV, who made it his principal residence before moving to Versailles Palace.
- Revolution and Empire: During the French Revolution, the palace was attacked by revolutionaries in 1792, leading to the arrest of King Louis XVI. It was later used for various purposes, including as a legislative assembly hall. Under Napoleon Bonaparte, the palace was refurbished to become the center of the French Empire, with extensive renovations and the addition of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel.
- Restoration and Decline: After Napoleon's fall, the palace was used by subsequent monarchs but began to fall into disrepair. During the Paris Commune in 1871, it was set on fire by Communards, leading to its near-total destruction.
Architecture and Design
- Style: The palace was an example of French Renaissance architecture with later additions in the Baroque and Neoclassical styles. It featured long, elegant wings with a central pavilion.
- Gardens: The Tuileries Garden, designed by André Le Nôtre, is a masterpiece of French formal garden design, which remains today as one of Paris's most famous public parks.
Significance
- The Tuileries Palace was not only a royal residence but also a symbol of French royal power and later, imperial grandeur.
- It played a crucial role in the political upheavals of France, witnessing both the rise and fall of monarchs and emperors.
Current Status
- After its destruction in 1871, the site where the palace once stood was cleared, and now forms part of the Louvre Palace complex. Today, only the foundations and some underground structures remain, with the area above ground being a public space.
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