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| Palace Les Invalides—final resting place for Napoleon Bonaparte and family. |
Les Invalides has evolved through the years from its original state as a hospital for soldiers when it opened in 1676. It was ordered by Louis XIV about 25 years prior. Later a chapel,
Eglise Sanit-Louis des Invalides, designed by Bruant was completed in 1679 and Louis didn't stop there. He then wanted a private royal chapel,
Église du Dôme, which is the gold domed structure in the photograph. Completed in 1708, this edifice was inspired by
St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and has become one of the defining examples of French Baroque Architecture. Today, it is best known as the final resting place for Napoleon Bonaparte and family.
Odd detail: The son of Napoleon named Napoleon Franz Bonaparte is buried at Les Invalides but his heart is still treasured in a Viennese church.
ReplyDeleteHi there Andreas and thanks so much for stopping by on one of my earliest posts from way back when. And thank you for your odd detail...very interesting indeed!
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