The earliest mention of the name Versailles dates back to a document before 1038, the Charte de l'abbaye Saint-Père de Chartres. It mentions a signatory named Hugo de Versailliis, who was the seigneur of Versailles.

In 1575, Albert de Gondi, a prominent figure at the court of Henry II, purchased the seigneury of Versailles. This marked a significant ownership change in the history of Versailles.

Louis XIII visited Versailles for his first hunting trip on 24 August 1607. He was impressed by the forest and meadows abundant with game, leading to his fondness for the location.

The Palace of Versailles was originally built in 1623 as a small hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, eventually transforming into the favored residence of French monarchs and a cultural hub until the French Revolution in 1789.

Louis XIII ordered the construction of a hunting lodge in Versailles in 1624 after being pleased with the location during hunting trips. The lodge was later expanded by Louis XIV to become the core of the Palace of Versailles.

A political and diplomatic turning point during the reign of King Louis XIII at Versailles. It involved a conflict between Marie de' Medici and Cardinal Richelieu, with the cardinal emerging victorious.

Construction of the Palace of Versailles began in 1634 under the reign of Louis XIII. The small hunting lodge he initially built was later expanded and transformed into the magnificent palace we know today.

After his relationship with his platonic mistress ended in 1637, Louis XIII sought solitude at Versailles. It served as a retreat where the king could find solace and escape.

In 1651, Louis XIV rediscovered Versailles and recognized its potential as a center of French culture, leading to his investment in transforming the small palace into an elegant and stately center.

On August 17, 1661, Louis XIV attended a lavish festival at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, hosted by Nicolas Fouquet. Impressed by the château's grandeur, Louis XIV was inspired for his own projects and later imprisoned Fouquet.

In 1662, King Louis XIV, also known as the 'Sun King', planned to redesign the chateau at Versailles, adding north and south wings and other buildings on the estate grounds. He envisioned a grand castle away from the Louvre in Paris to escape the political unrest in the city.

In 1663, Versailles established an orangery, which was a garden filled with citrus trees, pomegranates, and palm trees. These plants were kept in planters that had to be moved during the winter.

A fête held at Versailles to celebrate the queens of France but in reality honored the king's mistress, Louise de La Vallière. It is considered a prelude to the War of Devolution.

The Salon of Diana was used by Louis XIV as a billiards room and features scenes from the life of the goddess Diana on its walls and ceiling. The bust of Louis XIV by Bernini, made during the sculptor's visit to France in 1665, is on display in this room.

The second grand party hosted by Louis XIV in Versailles, celebrating the king's glory after the peace treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle and the annexation of Flemish territories by France.

The design of the grand appartements du roi and de la reine at the Palace of Versailles featured rooms of the same configuration and dimensions, a unique feature in French palace design. The rooms were decorated with allegorical representations of historical figures and celestial bodies.

In 1670, landscape gardener Andre Le Notre designed the 250-acre garden surrounding the Palace of Versailles in a distinctive, geometric pattern, making it Europe's largest palace garden.

In 1673, Versailles village was destroyed to make way for the new town that Louis XIV wanted to create, transforming it from a rural location to an urban center.

In 1674, Louis XIV had work begun on the Ambassadors' Staircase, a grand staircase for the reception of guests, and demolished the last of the village of Versailles.

Following the end of the Franco-Dutch War in 1678, Louis XIV appointed Jules Hardouin-Mansart as First Architect, who initiated significant renovations and expansions at Versailles.

By 1680, Louis XIV had moved the aristocracy and official government to Versailles, consolidating his power and control over all aspects of French life.

From 1678 to 1681, Jules Hardouin-Mansart oversaw the addition of the Hall of Mirrors, a grand and iconic feature of the Palace of Versailles.

The court of Versailles became the center of political power in France when Louis XIV moved the royal court from Paris to Versailles in 1682. This marked the official establishment of the court at Versailles.

In 1683, Louis XIV began using the King's apartment at the Palace of Versailles for his personal functions and official ceremonies.

A lavish reception held by Louis XIV for the Doge of Genoa in the Hall of Mirrors, showcasing the political significance of Versailles under the king's reign.

Louis XIV hosted the ambassadors of King Narai of Siam at Versailles to expand France's influence in the East, particularly in the context of battling the Dutch.

In 1687, Louis XIV built the Grand Trianon near the Palace of Versailles as a private retreat, using striking pink marble. Over the years, it served as a luxurious mini-palace for various French leaders and continues to host heads of state for formal occasions.

The Nine Years' War, which began in 1688, halted construction at Versailles until 1698, impacting the palace's development.

The Salon of Apollo was the royal throne room under Louis XIV. The eight-foot-high silver throne was melted down in 1689 to help pay for the costs of a war, and a more modest gilded wood throne replaced it.

After the War of the League of Augsburg, the marriage between the Duke of Burgundy and Marie-Adélaïde of Savoy symbolized reconciliation between France and the Duchy of Savoy.

Louis XIV's grandson, the Duke of Anjou, became Philip V of Spain in 1700, leading to tensions with Austria as the Bourbon dynasty took over the Habsburgs' former throne.

In 1701, Louis XIV transformed his Drawing Room into his own bedroom at the Palace of Versailles, where he eventually passed away in 1715. Both Louis XV and Louis XVI continued to use the bedroom for official functions.

The Royal Chapel of Versailles was commissioned by Louis XIV in 1683-84, but construction was delayed until 1699 and completed in 1710. It combines traditional Gothic royal French church architecture with French Baroque style.

The Salon of Hercules was originally a chapel but was rebuilt in 1712 to showcase two paintings by Paolo Veronese. The room also features a painting on the ceiling by François Lemoyne, giving the room its name.

The embassy of Persia was the final one received by Louis XIV in the Hall of Mirrors, showcasing the king's splendor and influence, despite the embassy being somewhat puzzling.

Louis XIV passed away in Versailles on 1 September 1715 after a long reign of 72 years, marking the end of an era and the beginning of the reign of Louis XV.

In May 1717, the Russian czar Peter the Great visited the Palace of Versailles during his trip to France. He stayed at the Grand Trianon and used his time at Versailles to observe and study the palace and gardens, later drawing inspiration from them for the construction of Peterhof in Russia.

In June 1722, Louis XV returned the court to the Château de Versailles from Paris and officially became King the following year. This marked a significant period in the history of the palace as it became the center of royal activities once again.

In 1742, Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of the King’s First Architect, became the Official Architect for Louis XV. Under his supervision, new additions were made to the Palace of Versailles, including the Salon of Hercules, the Opera House, and the Petit Trianon, marking a transition in architectural styles.

The French Pavilion was built by Gabriel in 1750 between the Trianon residences. It is part of the architectural ensemble near the Trianons.

In 1752, Louis XV demolished the Ambassadors' Staircase to create a courtyard for his private apartments at the Palace of Versailles. This marked a significant architectural change in the palace.

During Christmas 1763, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his family visited Versailles, where the young Mozart performed and dedicated his first two harpsichord sonatas to Madame Victoria, daughter of Louis XV.

In 1770, Louis XVI married Marie-Antoinette at the Royal Opera House in Versailles, marking one of the grandest events of the late 18th century in Versailles. This event symbolized the union between the French and Austrian royal families.

In 1771, Louis XV had the northern Ministers' Wing at Versailles rebuilt in Neoclassical style by Ange-Jacques Gabriel due to structural issues. The work remained incomplete upon Louis XV's death in 1774.

In 1774, Louis XVI gifted the Petit Trianon to Marie-Antoinette, which was originally built by Louis XV for his mistresses. Marie-Antoinette transformed it into her private retreat, showcasing the opulence and extravagance of the French monarchy.

Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II visited Versailles in 1777 out of brotherly concerns for his sister Marie-Antoinette's spending and marriage, as well as to explore the kingdom of France.

Versailles played a significant role in the history of the United States of America, where decisions were made to recognize the US as a nation, leading to the Treaty of Independence in 1783.

In 1780, Louis XVI completed the Gabriel Wing reconstruction at Versailles, a project that was started by his grandfather, Louis XV.

The Treaty of Paris, which marked the end of the American Revolutionary War, was signed at the Palace of Versailles on September 3, 1783.

On September 4, 1783, Spain and France signed separate treaties with England at the Palace of Versailles, formally ending the American Revolutionary War.

The first aerostatic flight in history took place at Versailles in 1783, marking a milestone in aviation history as man could finally ascend from the earth's surface.

In 1784, Louis XVI temporarily relocated the royal family to the Château de Saint-Cloud before planned renovations at Versailles. However, financial difficulties and political turmoil prevented the commencement of construction.

The Affair of the Diamond Necklace took place in 1785, where Queen Marie-Antoinette was falsely accused of a scandal involving an expensive diamond necklace. This event further tarnished the reputation of the royal family amidst growing discontent among the French populace.

La Lanterne, a hunting lodge built in 1787 by Philippe Louis de Noailles, has been a state residence since 1960.

In 1788, the French government faced bankruptcy, forcing Louis XVI to convene the Estates-General, a representative body that had not met in 175 years, at Versailles, setting the stage for the French Revolution.

Louis XVI summoned the Estates General in Versailles in 1789, marking the beginning of the French Revolution as the assembly of clergy, nobility, and commoners convened to address the country's crisis.

The Jeu de Paume Oath, a pivotal moment in French democracy, occurred near the Palace of Versailles in 1789 when deputies pledged to not disband until France had a Constitution.

On July 14, 1789, the King and Queen learned of the Storming of the Bastille in Paris while they were at the Palace of Versailles, marking a significant event at the onset of the French Revolution.

On October 5, 1789, a crowd of protesters marched from Paris to Versailles, besieged the palace, and compelled the King and royal family to return with them to Paris, a pivotal event during the French Revolution.

On October 6, 1789, a mob of angry Parisians, predominantly women, stormed the Palace of Versailles, demanding bread. They broke into the palace, causing the royal family to flee to Paris, marking a pivotal moment in the French Revolution.

After the fall of the monarchy in 1792, the Palace of Versailles came under the control of the new government. Portions of the royal furniture were sold, and many artworks were transferred to the Louvre in Paris.

Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were found guilty of treason and executed by guillotine in 1793 during the French Revolution.

A law passed on June 10, 1793, mandated the disposal of all contents of the former palaces of the Crown, excluding works of art and science. This led to the selling off of furniture and furnishings from Versailles between August 1793 and August 1794.

Between 23 August 1793 and 19 January 1795, auctions were held for the sale of palace furnishings at Versailles, with only items of particular artistic or intellectual merit exempt from the sale.

On 5 May 1794, the Convention decreed that the château and gardens of Versailles, along with other former royal residences, would not be sold but placed under the care of the Republic for the public good.

In August 1794, the Royal Gate was destroyed, and changes were made to the Cour Royale at the Palace of Versailles, reflecting the revolutionary transformations of the time.

In June 1795, Huges Lagarde, a wealthy soap merchant with political connections, was appointed as the bibliographer of the museum at Versailles. Lagarde played a significant role in the museum's development during this time.

The Palace of Versailles temporarily became a museum in 1796, with works of art arranged for tourists to see in the empty rooms, following the French Revolution.

In 1797, the Special Museum of the French School was established at the Palace of Versailles, focusing exclusively on French painters. It led to exchanges of artworks between Paris museums and Versailles.

The Special Museum of the French School opened in 1801 at the Palace of Versailles, showcasing works by French artists. However, it closed its doors again in 1803.

In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte declared himself Emperor of the French, with the title Napoleon I. He aimed to restore Versailles as a center of power.

Pope Pius VII visited Versailles in 1805 after coronating Napoleon in Paris. The visit attracted a large crowd to the former royal residence.

In 1815, Louis XVIII considered returning the royal residence to Versailles but faced challenges with the restoration of the royal apartments, reflecting the changing times post-Napoleon.

Shortly after becoming King in 1830, Louis Philippe I decided to transform the Palace of Versailles into a museum showcasing 'All the Glories of France' with paintings and sculptures depicting French victories and heroes. The palace apartments were demolished to create large rooms like the Coronation Room, Hall of Battles, and the 1830 room.

In March 1832, the Loi de la Liste civile was promulgated, designating Versailles as a crown dependency during the July Monarchy.

The museum dedicated to 'all the glories of France' was officially inaugurated on 10 June 1837 at Versailles, representing a significant undertaking during Louis-Philippe's reign.

The Museum of the History of France was established at Versailles in 1837, during the reign of Louis-Philippe. It was dedicated to showcasing the glories of France and housed paintings of French heroes and battles. The most famous room in the museum is the Galerie des Batailles (Hall of Battles).

The overthrow of Louis Philippe in 1848 halted his plans for the museum at the Palace of Versailles. However, the Gallery of Battles remains unchanged and is still visited by many tourists. Additional rooms on the first floor now focus on Louis XIV and his court.

Emperor Napoleon III hosted a lavish banquet for Queen Victoria at the Royal Opera of Versailles on 25 August 1855. The event was one of the grand ceremonies held at the palace during his reign.

The German Empire, under William I, was formally proclaimed in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles on 18 January 1871. This event marked the unification of Prussia and surrounding German states.

The Third Republic was firmly instituted in Versailles in 1875, ending four years of uncertainty over the country's leadership.

The Assemblée nationale, designed by Edmond de Joly, was inaugurated on 6 March 1876 at Versailles. It served as the assembly room for the Chamber of Deputies until they returned to the Palais Bourbon in 1879.

In 1887, a young curatorial assistant named Pierre de Nolhac arrived at Versailles, eventually becoming the curator in 1892. His efforts led to the restoration of Versailles' character as a royal residence.

On 8 October 1896, Czar Nicolas II and his wife Alexandra visited Versailles. This visit was organized by Pierre de Nolhac to raise awareness and attract potential donors to the palace.

Pierre de Nolhac's book 'Le Chateau de Versailles sous Louis Quinze' provides a detailed account of the Palace of Versailles during the reign of Louis XV, highlighting the architectural and cultural developments of the period.

Pierre de Nolhac's article 'La construction de Versailles de Le Vau' in Revue de l'Histoire de Versailles discusses the construction of Versailles by the architect Le Vau, offering insights into the architectural history of the palace.

Two English women had a paranormal experience in the gardens of the Petit Trianon in 1901, which they later published as 'An Adventure' in 1911, sparking theories about ghosts haunting the Trianon.

Pierre de Nolhac's two-volume book 'Histoire du Château de Versailles. Versailles Sous Louis XIV' provides a comprehensive history of the Palace of Versailles during the reign of Louis XIV, offering detailed insights into the palace's evolution and significance.

Pierre de Nolhac's book 'Histoire du Château de Versailles. Versailles au VIIIe siècle' explores the history of Versailles during the 8th century, shedding light on the early developments and transformations of the palace.

The Treaty of Versailles in 1919 marked the end of World War I, with differing perceptions of bringing peace or imposing harsh terms that contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

In 1920, billionaire John D. Rockefeller made significant donations to the Palace of Versailles for its restoration. His contributions were crucial in saving the Palace from a lack of maintenance and ensuring its preservation for future generations.

In 1924, the National Assembly budgeted 4 million francs annually for the Palace of Versailles, which was later increased to 5 million in 1932, due to Rockefeller's philanthropy and influence.

Pierre Pradel's article 'Versailles sous le premier Empire' in Revue de l'histoire de Versailles explores the history of Versailles during the First French Empire, highlighting the political and cultural changes that occurred during this period.

In 1953, Sacha Guitry filmed 'Royal Affairs in Versailles' at the Palace of Versailles, reflecting on the spending habits of kings and the investment in magnificent works for the future.

The Royal Opera of Versailles was reopened in 1957 after restoration efforts following World War II. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom was present at the reopening ceremony.

On 1 June 1961, John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy visited the Palace of Versailles, adding to the list of prestigious guests received at the historic venue.

In 1962, a decree was issued to bring back all objects belonging to the Palace of Versailles from collections across France, enhancing the historical significance of the palace.

Alfred Marie's book 'Naissance de Versailles' explores the origins and early history of the Palace of Versailles, shedding light on its creation and development.

Alfred and Jeanne Marie's book 'Mansart à Versailles' focuses on the architect Mansart's contributions to the design and construction of Versailles during the reign of Louis XIV.

Pierre Lemoine's article 'La chambre de la Reine' in La Revue du Louvre et des musées de France explores the Queen's chamber at Versailles.

In 1978, parts of the Palace of Versailles were heavily damaged in a bombing carried out by Breton terrorists. The incident caused significant destruction to the historic site.

In 1979, the Palace of Versailles was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The article 'Il n'y plus de Pyrénées: Iconography of the first Versailles of Louis XIV' by Kevin Olin Johnson discusses the iconography of the original Versailles palace built by Louis XIV.

In 1982, President Mitterrand hosted the Versailles Summit with representatives of the seven wealthiest industrialized countries, showcasing the splendor of the French Fifth Republic.

Alfred and Jeanne Marie's book 'Versailles au temps de Louis XV' offers a glimpse into the lifestyle and events at Versailles during the reign of Louis XV, showcasing the changes and developments in the palace.

Pierre Verlet's revised and updated edition of 'Le château de Versailles' was published in 1985, providing insights into the Palace of Versailles.

Jean-Marie Pérouse de Montclos' book 'Versailles' provides a comprehensive overview of the Palace of Versailles, offering insights into its history, architecture, and cultural significance, making it a valuable resource for understanding the iconic landmark.

Since 1995, the Palace of Versailles has been managed as a Public Establishment under the French Ministry of Culture, ensuring its preservation and accessibility to the public as a significant historical and cultural site.

Claire Constans authored 'Versailles: Absolutism and Harmony' in 1998, delving into the concept of absolutism and harmony within the context of Versailles.

In December 1999, a rare hurricane hit France, causing significant damage to the estate of Versailles, highlighting the vulnerability of the historic site to natural disasters.

Since 2000, France has committed to restoring the Palace of Versailles to its pre-revolutionary splendor. The palace continues to attract tourists from around the world and hosts official celebrations for world leaders.

In 2003, the blueprint 'Le Grand Versailles' was launched for extensive restoration work and improvements at the Palace of Versailles, including projects like the restoration of the Hall of Mirrors and the Petit Trianon.

Fabien Oppermann's thesis 'Images et usages du château de Versailles au XXe siècle' examines the visual representations and cultural uses of the Palace of Versailles in the 20th century, reflecting on its symbolic significance and contemporary relevance.

The restoration of the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles was completed in 2006 as part of the Grand Versailles project, a significant milestone in preserving the historical and cultural heritage of the palace.

In 2008, the Royal Gate at the Palace of Versailles was unveiled as a partial re-creation of the original gate designed by Hardouin-Mansart in the 1680s. The new gate received mixed reviews from art historians but played a crucial role in managing visitor traffic.

In 2009, President Nicolas Sarkozy delivered a speech addressing the global financial crisis before a congress at Versailles. This was the first time such an address had been given since 1848 by Charles-Louis Napoleon Bonaparte during the French Second Republic.

Mathieu Da Vinha and Raphaël Masson released 'Versailles pour les nuls' in 2011, providing a comprehensive guide to Versailles for beginners.

Following the November 2015 Paris attacks, President François Hollande spoke before a rare joint session of parliament at the Palace of Versailles. This marked the third instance since 1848 that a French president addressed a joint session of the French Parliament at Versailles.

In February 2016, the Dufour Pavilion at the Palace of Versailles was opened as the new main entrance after renovations by Dominique Perrault.

The Festival of Versailles 2020 features concerts, operas, masked balls, and shows, offering a diverse program for attendees to enjoy.

Individuals, companies, and foundations can support the Palace of Versailles with contributions starting from five euros, becoming part of its global recognition.

In 2023, Charles III's state visit to France included a state banquet at the Palace of Versailles. This event highlighted the historical and diplomatic significance of hosting foreign dignitaries at the iconic palace.

In April 2024, horses showcased their skills at Versailles, maintaining the royal tradition as the location prepares to host equestrian events for the upcoming Olympics.