Palace of the Tuileries is a lost symbol of Paris

When it comes to the capital of France, then its main symbols come to mind - the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysees, the Notre Dame Cathedral and, of course, the Louvre. Once the majestic royal palace and now the most famous museum constituted a single architectural ensemble with a construction built during the reign of Catherine de Medici and, unfortunately, has not survived to this day.

It is about the palace of the Tuileries, which became the property of the French monarchs. Now this place is a beautiful garden with the same name.

History of the erection of the palace

The Palace of the Tuileries began to be erected in 1559 by the order of the widow of Henry II, who was very worried about the death of her husband. To distract herself from her woeful thoughts, she moved to a former fortress castle, which gradually became the residence of kings.

She wanted to live in her own palace, so Catherine de Medici ordered the famous architect Delorme, who embodied all the whims of the monarchs, to build next to the place where the Louvre is, a new building in which she would rule on behalf of her sick son.

Complex of three pavilions

Chateau Tuileries, decorated in the Renaissance style, caused the queen to have pleasant memories of her native Italy. The beautiful palace consisted of the central pavilion "Clock", burned down during the Revolution, and two neighboring buildings, practically unaffected.

In 1564, the palace ensemble includes a picturesque park with luxurious fountains, spacious terraces and green alleys, which later became part of the Champs Elysees.

Connection junction

At the initiative of the ruler, large-scale works began on the construction of a large gallery along the banks of the Seine, which was to connect the Louvre and the Tuileries Palace. However, the construction was suspended for forty years after the Queen's prediction of the troubles associated with the church of Saint-Germain, the arrival of which was the main residence of the royal families.

When the construction of Versailles began, the work was completed, and a junction appeared that expanded the palace.

Mystical legend of the bloody queen and warlock

In a bright building, which closed the courtyard of the Louvre, terrible things were going on. The bloodthirsty lover of revenge was fond of black magic, allowing her to kill her opponents. The cruel ruler took on the service of a powerful magician, who recognized all the secrets of his queen and became a real threat to her. Fearful betrayal Catherine de Medici ordered the executioner to deal with the unwanted warlock.

The legend says that the sorcerer, bleeding to death, disappeared without a trace from the underground catacombs, where mystical rituals were held. However, he soon returned a frightening ghost, not giving a quiet life to his murderer and queen. And then he began to appear to all the inhabitants of the palace.

Changes in appearance

After the death of the ruler, the palace of the French kings underwent a change. The area of the residence was constantly increasing, and the building was rebuilt for two centuries.

Residence occupied by revolutionaries

During the Great French Revolution, the rebellious population of France overthrows the monarchy, and Louis XVI leaves Versailles and moves to the palace of the Tuileries, from whose spacious windows a magnificent view of the Tuileries green garden was opened .

When the rebels seeking revenge break into the residence, the king secretly flees. However, Louis XVI did not save it, and he was executed six months later.

Later, in the former royal residence, the French Convention, which declared the country a republic, meets its sessions. The northern part of the palace was redone, and the heating room turned into a hall where important decisions were made.

Residence of Napoleon Bonaparte

After Napoleon comes to power, he makes the palace of the Tuileries - the "sanctuary of the monarchy" - his residence, blooming before our very eyes. In front of the main entrance there was a Triumphal arch, and all the interiors were redesigned in a very fashionable Greek style.

The death of the palace

In 1871, after the proclamation of the Paris Commune, the palace was burned, and there was no question of restoration, for the public believed that the symbol of the monarchy should not exist.

In 12 years on the site of the ruins near the place where the Louvre (Museum) is now, the decadent garden with the same name was revived. Open to everyone who wants a place to rest Parisians and tourists is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

Talk about recovery

After restoration in two surviving pavilions, included in the museum complex, art galleries of the Louvre are located, and since 2003 there has been talk about the restoration of the main pavilion "Hours".

However, scientists give their arguments, saying that the building of the historical site has long been formed, and even with a complete reconstruction, the residence will never become the same.

Attractions in Paris

Numerous palaces of Paris, which have become cultural treasures of the country, provide a unique opportunity to touch history and to move to the era of palace intrigues.

French monarchs, as they strengthened their power, erected grand royal residences. Some of them have reached their contemporaries in excellent condition, but few remain from many. Chateau Tuileries became a lost structure, which was not preserved for descendants, but the memory of it will always live.