Fontainebleau Palace
The Fontainebleau Palace is located near the French city of the same name. This castle-palace was built in the Renaissance style during the reign of Francis I. The royal residence was the only one in the whole of Europe where there were no defensive functions.
Throughout its existence, many famous historical figures have lived here, in particular the 34 rulers of France – from Louis VI to Napoleon. Each successive owner made his own changes, supplementing the palace with new works of art and leaving his mark on the architecture of the building.
The palace has repeatedly experienced periods of prosperity and decline. Napoleon III restored the seemingly lost grandeur and luxury to the Fontainebleau Palace. He really liked these apartments, and every effort was made to return the country residence to its former chic.
The interior of the palace was decorated with a combination of many precious stones and gold, antique furniture was arranged, the rooms were decorated with paintings, frescoes and tapestries. The main masterpiece is considered to be a staircase made in the form of a horseshoe.
At Fontainebleau Castle, the air is filled with historical events and each piece of furniture has its own legend. There is a myth here that the ghost of the red man lives in the castle, who predicted events to the royals.
In 1870, when the French Republic replaced the French Empire, the Fontainebleau Palace fell into oblivion.
Today The Fontainebleau Palace is a state museum. There are 4 museum halls on the territory of the castle, namely: the Museum of Emperor Napoleon, consisting of the Throne Room, the bedroom, the emperor's study and the Red Salon, where Bonaparte wrote the abdication, the Chinese Museum, the furniture museum and the painting gallery.
The architectural ensemble is complemented by the courtyard of Fountains with ponds, the courtyard of the White Horse and the Oval Courtyard. The magnificent park includes an English Garden, Diana's garden. There are picturesque alleys and marble sculptures. All this is surrounded by a pine forest. Peacocks roam freely throughout the territory, not at all afraid of tourists and guests.
The Fontainebleau Palace is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The combination of wonderful landscapes with clean air and the castle, made in an exquisite architectural style, attract many tourists and connoisseurs of sophistication.
