Beyond the Place d'Armes, situated below the gateway, stand several disparate buildings extending both in length and breadth, evoking an image of a town more than a château. From this side, there is very little in common with the majestic linearity of the façades overlooking the park. Behind the gateway, there is a succession of narrowing courtyards: the Great Courtyard, Royal Courtyard and Marble Courtyard. The buildings follow the brick, stone and slate architecture of the first Château of Versailles built by Louis XIII, which Louis XIV wanted to preserve. Later on, the architects always intended to rework the façades, aiming to make them higher, with a more noble style and material.
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Place d'Armes  |
Louis XIV statue 
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in the distance  |
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upon the death of Louis XIV 
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