Who designed the Fountain of Apollo at Versailles?

The Fountain of Apollo was designed by Charles Le Brun as part of André Le Nôtre's grand redesign of the palace gardens beginning in 1662. The fountain was created to reflect King Louis XIV's vision of himself as the Apollo of his era, the Roman sun god bringing light across the heavens.

Why is the Fountain of Apollo designed with the sun god and horses?

Louis XIV, known as the 'Sun King,' modeled himself after Apollo and commissioned the fountain to symbolize the Roman sun god rising from the sea at dawn on his light-bringing journey across the heavens. This artistic choice perfectly captured the king's grandiose self-image and ambitions for the palace.

Where exactly is the Fountain of Apollo located within Versailles?

The Fountain of Apollo is strategically positioned at the head of a mile-long canal in the palace gardens, making it a striking visual focal point. Its placement is central to the garden's design, which covers 2,000 acres—more than twice the area of Manhattan's Central Park.

What should I see when visiting the Fountain of Apollo at Versailles?

Visitors should take time to admire the fountain's intricate sculptural details, including the foaming horses and water-spouting tritons and whales that showcase exceptional artistry. Don't miss walking along the adjacent mile-long canal, which offers breathtaking views and demonstrates the scale and ambition of Louis XIV's vision for the gardens.

Fountain of Apollo, Versailles — Versailles

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Fountains, Squares and Bridges 📍 Versailles, France 325 views

Fountain of Apollo, Versailles

Q: What makes the Fountain of Apollo special compared to other Versailles fountains?

The Fountain of Apollo is considered the finest of all the fountains created during the palace gardens' renovation, featuring magnificent foaming horses, whales, and tritons blowing water from wreathed horns. It stands at the head of a mile-long canal that creates the illusion of the palace gardens extending infinitely into the distance.

The Palace of Versailles occupies 2,000 acres (8 sq km), more than twice the area of Manhattan’s Central Park. But, then, the self-styled ‘Sun King’ was never less than overweeningly ambitious. Louis XIV saw himself as the Apollo of his day, and the finest of the fountains create...

Photo · Trisha B.

Fountain of Apollo, Versailles — Versailles, France.

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Fountains, Squares and Bridges

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About Fountain of Apollo, Versailles

Fountain of Apollo, Versailles - Versailles | Secret World Trip Planner

The Palace of Versailles occupies 2,000 acres (8 sq km), more than twice the area of Manhattan’s Central Park. But, then, the self-styled ‘Sun King’ was never less than overweeningly ambitious. Louis XIV saw himself as the Apollo of his day, and the finest of the fountains created for the palace gardens when revamped by André Le Nôtre from 1662 was inspired by the idea of the Roman sun god rising from the sea at dawn on his light-bringing ride across the heavens. Designed by Charles Le Brun, this magnificent eye-catcher with its foaming horses, whales and tritons blowing water from wreathed horns, stands at the head of a mile-long canal that makes the palace gardens seem all but infinite.