The palaces are testaments to history and are also examples of some of humanity’s most beautiful architectural works. From France to Thailand to Turkey, most world capitals have one. Discover some of the world’s most impressive palace complexes.
The elegance of Versailles
Located just half an hour from Paris, France, the Palace of Versailles is a symbol of sheer power and one of the great achievements of 17th century French art, which has been on the World Heritage List since 1979.
The former hunting lodge of Louis XIII was renovated by his son Louis XIV, in 1682, to establish the court and government there. Since then, subsequent kings continued to beautify this building until the French Revolution.
Topkapi Palace, an authentic architectural gem in Turkey
Built shortly after Mehmed II captured Constantinople in the 15th century, Topkapı Palace was modified by various rulers who passed through Istanbul, Turkey.
Today, this majestic mansion on the banks of the Bosphorus has four courtyards and many buildings inside, where we can contemplate great examples of Islamic art and architecture.
Among them, the harem, the treasury, the imperial mint, the kiosk of Baghdad.
The Royal Palace of Madrid, the largest in Western Europe
The Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain, is the largest in Western Europe and one of the largest in the world. It has an area of more than 135,000 square meters and 3,418 rooms.
It is distinguished not only by its size, but also by its beauty. Taking a guided tour inside, you can admire King Charles III’s favorite rooms, admire the details of the Gasparini Room and the Porcelain Room and contemplate the sumptuous dining room or the famous throne room.
Bina Palace and its bright colors
Pena is not only the most famous palace in Portugal, it is also one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. Maybe it’s because of the bright colors or the hypnotic silhouette and the eclectic style.
In any case, the truth is that Bina Palace has an incomparable charm. Built in the 18th century, at the initiative of King Consort D. Fernando II, it attracts thousands of visitors to Sintra every year. In it, classic Portuguese tiles coexist with elements typical of Romanticism and sculptures with great religious symbolism.
The combination of Neo-Gothic, Neo-Arabic, and Neo-Manuelian architecture led to the Pena Palace being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995 and a National Monument since 1910.
Buckingham Palace, the home of London
Buckingham Palace is a true symbol of the British Crown in London, England, and it prides itself on being one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. Currently, you can visit the interior to see some of the royal apartments used by Queen Elizabeth II.
In the different rooms we can see a variety of paintings and fine antique furniture with English and French decor.
Definitely an authentic architectural gem full of artwork.
The Unknown Jewel, the Royal Palace of Caserta
Known as the Reggia de Caserta, the Royal Palace of Caserta is one of the most beautiful palaces in the world and is also one of the most popular in mass tourism.
Located in northern Naples, Italy, this is a baroque masterpiece of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and the Kingdom of the Bourbons, which houses an impressive collection of art. Paintings, porcelain, furniture, drawings, books…
Potala Palace, the ultimate expression of Tibetan culture
Perched atop the Red Mountain in the middle of the Lhasa Valley, the Potala Palace has long been one of the most important and most impressive monuments in Tibet.
The complex consisted of the White Palace, the Red Palace, and ancillary buildings, and was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama.
The beauty of its architecture, its rich decoration and the harmony it conveys with the surrounding landscape made it part of the World Heritage List in 1994.
Schönbrunn Palace, the imperial residence
Built in the 17th century as the summer residence of the Habsburg family, Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna is also known as “Vienna Versailles” for its elegance and beauty.
In addition to being one of Austria’s major historical and cultural buildings, the sheer luxury of the building and its sections make it one of the most beautiful palaces in the world.
Beijing Summer Palace, the Garden of Health and Harmony
A pagoda amidst the mist, a marble boat, abundant nature and spaces filled with colorful decor. These are just some of the surprises that await you at the Summer Palace in Beijing, China. One of the most beautiful palace complexes in the world.
From the Great Passage, with its pictorial windows framing the landscape, to its distinctive green and red colors, this small imperial city delights any visitor.
The Royal Palace in Bangkok, the administrative center of the Thai monarchy
This huge complex of buildings served as the administrative center of the Thai monarchy and the official residence of the king from the late 18th to mid-20th centuries.
The most important place in the Royal Palace in Bangkok is Wat Phra Kaew Temple, where the Emerald Buddha, carved in jade in the 15th century and only 45 cm tall, is the most valuable and revered in Thailand.
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