The Wonders of Europe on SBS – The Wonders Of Europe tells the story of the people who built some of the biggest and most unique landmarks in Europe – the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, the Temples of the Acropolis, and the Alhambra Complex.
Intended for an international audience, it aims to promote European cultural heritage and architecture.
With voice-over narration, each episode will feature spectacular shots of the monuments, interviews with historians and specialists, fictional recreations and innovative 3D modelling to illustrate the successive architectural changes. Each episode is corroborated by local historical experts to ensure scientific and historical accuracy.
Series One, Episode Two: Versailles, Louis XIV And His Destiny
In the summer of 1661, Nicolas Fouquet, Superintendent of Finances, unveils his dramatic Vaux-le-Vicomte castle to Louis XIV.
The place makes a lasting impression on the monarch and strengthens his crazy idea – build an even more outstanding palace – Versailles. Nobody bets on this tiny hunting lodge surrounded by marshes. Fuelled by the ambitions of his master, Versailles is expanded and gradually transformed, thanks to the most gifted artists of its time.
As Louis XIV’s love affairs and military victories go by, the Porcelain Trianon, l’Enveloppe, the Hall of Mirrors, the Ambassadors’ Staircase and the Royal Chapel rose from the ground. In 50 years, Louis XIV succeeds in making Versailles the seat of monarchy, the centre of Europe and an architectural masterpiece still admired today.
The Wonders Of Europe – New Episode – Saturday, 15 April at 7.30pm on SBS and SBS on Demand (4 Parts)
TV Central SBS content HERE
