France's Secret Versailles: Fontainebleau Palace | Building a Royal Palace | Real Royalty
Real Royalty・34 minutes read
Fontainebleau, a monumental castle in France with a rich history housing numerous rulers, showcases architectural marvels and artistic patronage over the centuries, standing as a symbol of France's heritage and power, notably impacting Napoleon I's reign.
Insights
- Fontainebleau, a grand castle in France, evolved over eight centuries through the contributions of various rulers like Francis the First, Henry IV, and Napoleon, showcasing a rich history of architectural innovation and royal patronage.
- The transformation of Fontainebleau under Francis the First, including the construction of the Renaissance gallery and the Golden Door entrance, symbolizes a blend of power, artistry, and nature, culminating in a grand castle that stands as a testament to France's heritage and artistic prowess.
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Recent questions
What is the significance of Fontainebleau castle?
Fontainebleau is a prominent castle in France, attracting millions of visitors annually. It boasts over 1500 rooms and a rich history of housing numerous rulers, showcasing France's architectural prowess and heritage.
Who were the key rulers involved in Fontainebleau's construction?
Various rulers like Francis the First, Henry IV, the Sun King, and Napoleon contributed to Fontainebleau's grandeur over eight centuries, each leaving their mark on the castle's evolution and expansion.
What architectural marvels are present at Fontainebleau?
Fontainebleau features impressive structures like the Francis the First Gallery, a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance, and the Golden Door entrance, symbolizing power and artistic patronage. The castle also houses a Renaissance gallery adorned with the king's emblem, showcasing intricate design and cultural influence.
How did Francis the First transform Fontainebleau's surroundings?
Francis the First reshaped the marshy lands around Fontainebleau into a Renaissance garden through meticulous drainage and landscaping, aiming to impress his rival, Charles V, with his grandeur and control over nature, showcasing his vision and determination.
What role did Napoleon I play in Fontainebleau's history?
Napoleon I played a crucial role in reviving Fontainebleau after plans for its demolition post-French Revolution. His rapid refurnishing of the castle in 19 days aimed to host Pope Pius VII for his coronation, and his creation of a throne room symbolized a break from royal traditions, leaving a lasting impact on the palace's history.
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Summary
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Fontainebleau: France's Grand Castle of History
- Fontainebleau, along with Versailles, is a significant castle in France, attracting over 10 million visitors annually, with more than 1500 rooms and a history of housing 34 kings and two emperors.
- The construction of Fontainebleau involved architectural marvels like the Francis the First Gallery, a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance in Northern Europe, showcasing the challenges faced by architects in transporting vast volumes of stone.
- Fontainebleau's construction spanned eight centuries, with various rulers like Francis the First, Henry IV, the Sun King, and Napoleon contributing to its grandeur, showcasing a venture that utilized sophisticated means for its time.
- The castle, located 70 kilometers south of Paris, boasts 1536 rooms, four courtyards, three galleries, two chapels, and a theater, evolving over centuries through the efforts of multiple kings.
- The castle's origins date back to the 12th century, with a modest fortified hunting lodge that evolved into a grand Renaissance palace under the reign of Francis the First, who utilized the forest's resources for construction.
- Francis the First's vision for Fontainebleau led to the creation of impressive structures like the Golden Door entrance, symbolizing his power and determination to impress his rival, Charles V, after his captivity in Madrid.
- The construction of new wings and a Renaissance gallery tripled Fontainebleau's size, making it the largest castle in France, showcasing Francis the First's patronage of artists and his desire to reshape the land surrounding the castle.
- The Renaissance gallery, adorned with the king's emblem, the salamander, symbolizing immortality, became a luxurious corridor connecting different parts of the castle, showcasing Francis the First's influence on art and culture.
- Beyond art and architecture, Francis the First transformed the marshy lands around Fontainebleau into a Renaissance garden through meticulous drainage and landscaping, aiming to impress his rival, Charles V, with his grandeur and control over nature.
- Fontainebleau's history is a testament to the power, vision, and determination of various rulers, culminating in a grand castle that stands as a symbol of France's rich heritage and architectural prowess.
18:41
Evolution of Fontainebleau: Power, Prestige, Perfection
- Charles V is forced to attend huge festivities organized by Francis the First, showcasing power.
- Francis the First develops his Renaissance castle until his death in 1547, asserting his dominance.
- Henry II and Catherine de Medici aim to re-appropriate Chateau de Fontainebleau, demanding a switch from sandstone to limestone for the facade.
- Gabriel Louis, the 15th architect, faces challenges in sourcing limestone for the castle from quarries in Saint-Loubain.
- Henry II opts for a coffered ceiling in a new reception room, replacing vaults with metal rods and a wooden grid.
- Henry IV, known as the "good king," transforms Fontainebleau, expanding the castle's surface area and constructing new buildings.
- Henry IV focuses on water control, commissioning the Francini brothers to build aqueducts and fountains throughout the estate.
- Louis XIV, often overlooked at Fontainebleau, spends significant time there, signing the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685.
- Louis XIV commissions landscape architect Andre Le Notre to create French formal gardens, unifying existing garden elements.
- Andre Le Notre successfully transforms Fontainebleau's gardens into a masterpiece, incorporating grand perspectives and expansive flowerbeds.
37:46
Napoleon's Fontenbleau: A Historic Transformation
- Fontenbleau's horseshoe staircase was designed for the Sun King's dramatic entries and exits from the palace.
- Plans for Fontenbleau's demolition post-French Revolution were averted by Napoleon I's interest in restoring it.
- Napoleon I's architects, Charles Percier and Pierre Fontana, played a crucial role in reviving Fontenbleau.
- Napoleon I's rapid refurnishing of Fontenbleau in 19 days aimed to host Pope Pius VII for his coronation in 1804.
- Napoleon I's creation of a throne room in Fontenbleau symbolized a break from royal traditions and showcased his power.
- Napoleon I's farewell to France at Fontenbleau before exile marked a significant historical moment, leaving a lasting impact on the palace.
