Versailles

Location: Paris

Year: 2009

Comments: My main reason for finally visiting the Chateau de Versailles was that after having visited some palaces in India and Istanbul I wanted to compare them with one of the prime displays of wealth and exuberance in Europe. Of course one of the most striking differences is the display of the body, which is forbidden in Islamic cultures. Thus at Versailles you will find all these sculptures of voluptuous women, whereas at the Topkapi palace in Istanbul the decoration is all abstract.

Tags: Opulence | Paris | Versailles