Top 10 Astonishing Facts About Fountains of Versailles

Fountains of Versailles. photo by Zairon-Wikimedia

Top 10 Astonishing Facts About Fountains of Versailles

What do you know about fountains? Most people will think about water and water jets. For Versailles, it is more than just water! It is a beauty for the people of Versailles and a tourist attraction for people from all parts of the world.

Water features add beauty to the land around. The Versailles Fountains in France comprise varied designs that make them outstanding. These fountains were made by the Sun King, who was fond of fountains during the 1700s.

They for historical sites in France and tell varied stories. In the different fountains in Versailles, varied ancient tales are displayed. They keep culture alive. For artists, it is an epic place for live performances.

1. The Fountains of Versailles were constructed in 7 years by 1,800 men

Fountain of Versailles. photo by Gary Todd-Wikimedia

During the construction of these fountains, technology was not as advanced as it is today. A lot of manpower was needed to complete the project.

Laying the pipes and channeling the water against gravity to a region that experienced water shortages was a demanding job. It took a workforce of 1800 men seven years to complete the site construction.

This is a long time for the project and shows how dedicated the Sun King wanted the Fountains in the area. He wanted to show other kingdoms and states that only royals had the power to change even the course of a river and make it flow against gravity.

2. They were made in a place that experiences water shortages

How does one introduce water into a landlocked region against gravity? This is an astonishing fact that makes the Fountains of Versailles outstanding.

The construction of the fountains incorporates skilled labor and advanced technologies. These are technologies invented due to the monarch’s desire to do the impossible and show its power in architect creativity.

During the creation of the Fountains, nations with power spread fear among others and could conquer them in war, and trade, among other functions. Making water flow against gravity to a region that had non before demonstrates great power.

3. Versailles had 2,400 functioning fountains at its peak

At its peak, Versailles had 2400 fountains functioning. This is a very large number given that there were no advanced technologies like today. How was it even possible to keep all these fountains functioning?

It was a tremendous job that showed how creative human beings could be. However, the place has fifty-five functioning fountains at the moment. The technologies needed to run these fountains are costly and consume lots of power.

4. The Fountains expressed the power of the French Monarchy

Fountain in the Parc de Versailles. photo by edwin.11-Wikimedia

Introducing water to a landlocked region is not an easy task. The Versailles fountains were created in a region without water. This forced the monarchy to do a lot of investments to make mountains move.

Lots of engineers, technologies, and manpower had to be employed. These efforts signified the wealth, artistic vitality, and power of the French monarchy. This is why their construction took almost one decade with large manpower which is approximated to be 1800.  

5. The Versailles fountains promote the entertainment industry

What better way to spend leisure time than entertainment? The Versailles Fountains are not just tourist attractions. They also serve as a prop for various artists during live performances. The Versailles fountains promote lots of entertainment activities in Italy.

There are several musical gardens and fountain shows held each year around this place. During weekends, great artists across the globe visit the Versailles fountains to perfume before an audience that treasures nature and beauty.

Usually, the fountains are made to spout water per the rhythm of the music in place. There are lots of circuits applied to the fountains to display the artists’ musical styles. During these musical shows, individuals are allowed to access the entire Versailles estate.

6. They are a great attraction

Tourists at the Versailles Fountains. Photo by Tamara Malaney on Unsplash

Locals and foreigners visit the Versailles fountains each day. The beauty and unique decorations of the place are interesting for sightseeing and photoshoots. Individuals spend hours, days, and even months in Italy just to visit these fountains.

Numerous features make the place unique. They include the Neptune Gate, Palaces of Trianon and the Domain of Marie-Antoinette, and the Nymphs of Diana Fountain. These are symbolic architects in the civilization history of the country.

7. Versailles fountains are designed differently and they tell different stories

Fountains of Versailles. photo by Gary Todd-Wikimedia

Learning the history and legend stories of your country is interesting. It gives individuals knowledge of where they come from, where certain cultural practices originated, and why certain figures exist.

The Versailles fountains are made differently and tell unique stories. For instance, the Latona Fountain tells the story of Latona (Apollo and Diana’s mother) who is in charge of protecting them from Lycia’s Peasants’ insults. In the story, she pleads with Jupiter to avenge her, and Lycia’s inhabitants are turned into lizards and frogs.

8. They Currently have 620 water jets with 50 fountains in place

Fountain of Versailles. photo by edwin.11-Wikimedia

The Fountains comprise 620 water jets and 50 fountains. Currently, they use electricity and this has raised the maintenance costs. To reduce costs, these fountains operate on a schedule.

9. The Versailles Fountains relied on gravity during initiation

During their construction, there were no electricity or steam engines to pump the waters through the pipes. Water was channelled from higher sources (elevated water reservoirs) in closed systems to generate pressure that kept the fountains’ spurts active.

Gravity is natural and electrical bills or bills for machines to pump water were not needed. This explains why there were many fountains during the initial time than today.  The introduction of advanced technologies changed the way these fountains operated.

10. At some point in time, its water bill was above 30% of the total bill of Versailles

What consumes most of the budget allocated in your region? What is your water bill per month? With more than 2,400 fountains at the start, a lot of water was used. Fountain shows and musical concerts made the place active for long hours, leading to more water expenditure (bills).