The Invalides Palace in Paris is an architectural monument, the construction of which was begun on the orders of Louis XIV on February 24, 1670 as a charity house for honored army veterans. It was one of the first wheelchair homes in Europe.
As with all the sights, the House of Handicapped is of architectural interest. 60 ancient trophy cannons lined up in front of its strict facade - the real value and pride of the Museum of the Army, and opposite the central entrance in the genre of classicism stands the Cathedral of St. Louis.
The main feature of the style is avoiding accidents and following clear, strict and concise forms, taking the ancient art of urban planning as the standard. Although with the Sun King this direction was only beginning to develop, this structure is designed in restrained motifs of decorative design, symmetry and simplicity.
This is clearly seen in the design of the facade of the sanctuary, going up 107 meters high and combining the geometry of a circle with a square. The speaker zone has two tiers, decorated with columns, bas-reliefs, heraldic lilies of the Bourbons and statues of Charlemagne and Louis XIX by Kuazevo and Kust.
But it is especially impressive dome with a complex structure, inspired at the time of architects who created the arch of the Capitol of the United States. It is as if it consists of two layers, where a window is made in the center of the inner shelter, through which the upper one can be seen, and there are a number of windows in it, and light penetrates through them, illuminating the dome painting. The vault is 27 m in diameter, and its top is decorated with a high spire.
The construction of the church lasted much longer than the main building, and its role was played by the fact that Louis didn’t like the idea of Bruand. What the problem was, is unknown, but, nevertheless, Jules Arduen-Mansart ruled the ball further, who invented such a complex system of domes.
Today, the Cathedral of the House of Invalides in Paris is one of the most attractive sights of the capital, which fits perfectly into the urban ensemble with the perfect combination of strict proportions from the outside and luxurious decoration inside.
On the territory of the House of Invalids there are 4 museums at once: the Museum of Plans and Reliefs, the Museum of Modern History, the Museum of the Order of Liberation and the Museum of the Army - the most famous.
In the central courtyard there is a unique collection of 60 authentic classic French cannons, cast in bronze and decorated with heraldic ornaments.
Rare exhibits related to the military history of France are stored in the thematic halls of museums: ancient armor, uniforms, items of military equipment, sabers, swords, artillery shells, emblems, personal belongings of historical characters, etc.
Of particular interest to visitors is the historical memorial of Charles de Gaulle - the multimedia space, where images are complemented by documentary films with interviews and video footage.
Every year since 2014 La Nuit aux Invalides, a sound and light show, is held on the Square of the Disabled. This large-scale spectacle tells the 2000-year history of France.
La Nuit aux Invalides takes place in the summer period from June to August and starts at 10:30 pm (every day except Sunday). It lasts 50 minutes without a break.
Features visit the House of Handicapped People
1. There are two entrances: from the Vauban square and from the Grenel street.
2. A gift shop with a large selection of books, souvenir tickets, coins, medals, etc. operates on the territory of the House of Persons with Disabilities.
3. You can have lunch in the cozy cafe-restaurant Le carré des Invalides, located at the entrance from the Place Vauban.
4. There is an ATM in the lobby near the ticket office.
5. Travel bags and backpacks can be handed over to the wardrobe.
6. Visitors with disabilities are provided with wheelchairs (if available).
7. For professional photo and video, you must first submit an application and get permission.
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