In the heart of Paris, next to the Louvre, is the Palais Royal, or the Royal Palace, which also includes the same square and park . This luxury residence in the city center was built especially for the famous state the figure of Cardinal Richelieu . For many years Richelieu was looking for the house of his dreams . In luxurious country cottages he could not live because of very active activities . Finally he liked the estate of Angen in Paris, which he immediately bought . Friend Richelieu architect Jacques Lemercier started the reconstruction of Angen and the design of a huge palace . A few years later a luxurious building was erected on this site called Palais-Cardinal . At the request of the customer, an art gallery, a library, a theater and a beautiful park were built here .

It should be noted that Richelieu collected art objects - paintings, sculptures, porcelain . All his wealth he transported to Pala Cardinal . Thus, for example, 262 paintings were painted by the great European artists . Of course, the royal family, led by Louis XIII, after the construction of the Palais-Cardinal was confused, because she did not possess such a luxury . But Richelieu, in order to avoid envy from the king, promised that he bequeath his palace to him . True, Louis XIII only survived Richelieu for one year and could not fully enjoy life in Palais-Cardinal .

After the death of Richelieu Anna moved here Austrian . In this regard, in 1642 the residence was renamed Palais Royal, that is, the Royal Palace . Here was the childhood of King Louis XIV, who then gave this house to his brother Philip of Orleans . At the end of the 18th century, the Duke of Orleans completely changed the Palais Royal . Here were houses are built with arcades, which housed benches and cafes . Now anyone in the Palais-Royal could visit the garden: the current owner made it open to Parisians . In addition, nearby there is a circus tent . In short, the Palais Royal became a real entertainment center . Russian historian Nikolai Karamzin was struck by the beauty and luxury of the royal palace and called it the capital of Paris . True, the duke of such transformations was not enough . Using his authority, he forbade the police to monitor the order in the Palais Royal territory and arranged in the palace the most present brothel .

However, the duke's wild life soon came to an end . During the French Revolution he was executed, and the palace was nationalized in 1793 . But in 1814 Louis XVIII restored the palace to its former to the owners . Of course, everything has changed in the Palais Royal . Now there have not been any entertaining events with dubious guests, but on the contrary, only literary evenings and balls were held, to which the whole color of France was gathered . But during The Paris Commune Palé Royal was burnt . After several for years it was reconstructed and since 1873 there are State and the Constitutional Council and the Ministry of Culture .

Since that time, the Palais Royal were almost no changes. Only in 1986 there appeared the Buren Columns. French artist Daniel Buren installed on the square 260 columns of different heights. It is worth noting that before their appearance in Paris there were disputes about the feasibility of this project. Nevertheless, a few years later, the townspeople became accustomed to the columns and even could love them.

Practical information

For visitors the palace building is closed, and the territory of the park can be completely free of charge

Palais Royal, panorama

Palais Royal

Palais Royal Gardens of the Palais Royal