Fonteblo is one of the largest palace complexes in the country, built 500 years ago. Throughout its history, Fonteblo has been rebuilt, restored, expanded and modified many times, hence the difficulty in determining the style in which the castle was built. There are many versions and legends as to why the place was so loved by the French kings. The most common one says that here the kings were helped by otherworldly forces in making important decisions. True or not, it is impossible to find out, but Fonteblo is worth visiting for anyone interested in the history of France and the details of the life of its rulers.
An excursion into history
The territory on which the castle was built has been a hunting forest from time immemorial. King Francis I decided to build a royal residence here - the first in the world, devoid of defense structures. Construction began in 1515. After the death of Francis, the construction was supervised by Catherine de 'Medici and Henry II of Valois. The palace was commissioned in 1523.
The role of the palace in the history of the country
For many years, the Palace has been the site of important historical events:
- 1560 - a council was held here, which decided to end the struggle of Catholics and Huguenots
- 1685 - signing of the Edict of Fontainebleau, which revoked the Edict of Nantes
- 1725 - creation of the theater of the same name
- 1807 - signing of a treaty between Denmark and France, after which the first began a war with England and Switzerland
- 1813 - Pope Pius VII signed the Concordat
- 1814 - the abdication of Napoleon I of the throne in favor of the heir
- 1974 - Summit, which resulted in the formation of the European Council.
What to see?
- Gallery of Francis I in the Renaissance style
- Golden triumphal gate
- Royal apartments
- Holy Trinity Chapel
- Throne room
- Red Salon, where Napoleon abdicated
- Diana's gallery.
Particular attention should be paid to the Fontainebleau park, which amazes with an abundance of ponds, lakes and fountains. The park complex includes:
- Diana's garden
- Flower beds in Versailles style
- English garden
- Big parterre
- Pine Grove Grotto.
Interesting Facts
- Peacocks walk in the park of Fontainebleau, who are not at all afraid of people
- In the original video, the staircase, nicknamed the "Yard of Farewell", is preserved: from it Napoleon I said goodbye to his army
- The interior decoration consists of columns, stucco, sculptures and textiles in the Empire style
- Diana Gallery and Diana's Garden are dedicated to the favorite of Henry II - Diana de Poitiers.
The object belongs to palaces.
