At the beginning of the 13th century, Philip Augustus, King of France, dreads an English foray in his capital city. Thus, he decides to build the fortress of the Louvre, a military architectural gem. Today, the Louvre is a museum housing the greatest masterpieces, but it's also a palace, at the heart of power since its origin. Eight centuries would be necessary for it to look as it does today. Obsessed with the desire for a Louvre showcasing their power, France's greatest sovereigns will continually keep on expanding and embellishing it.
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.
In this fascinating adventure, we see Pericles surrounded by the greatest figures of his time - Sophocles, Phidias, Thucydides, and Aspasia. We relive ambitious and aesthetic, but above all violent, times - and a turning point in the history of humanity. To tell the story of this unprecedented human adventure, the documentary combines interviews, 3D animations and fictional clips. It offers a journey between the current Acropolis and its past, between archaeologists' research and reconstructions.
In January 1492, Catholic Queen Isabella and her spouse King Ferdinand of Aragon seize the last Muslim kingdom in Spain, marking the end of nearly 800 years of Arab domination in the Iberian Peninsula. The Christian rulers then discover a stunning royal city - the Alhambra. Located in Granada, south of Spain, the Alhambra is one the most visited European monument. Built on the heights of the city, it is a gigantic grandiose city, covering more than ten hectares.
In 1870, convinced that France's defeat by Prussia is divine punishment, a small circle of Catholics vow to build a gigantic basilica in the heart of Paris if the capital is spared. Thus, the Sacré Cœur is born.
Every year, nearly 7 million people visit the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, making it one of the most visited monuments in the world. At the time it was built, the tower was the tallest structure in the world.
The legendary Pantheon, one of the best preserved monuments of ancient Rome, is a temple dedicated to the Roman gods. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it still has many secrets to reveal.
Explores Mont Saint-Michel, one of the most visited sites in France with nearly 3 million visitors per year. Located in a spectacular bay, this granite islet has become a major pilgrimage site.
Looks at the Florence Cathedral, jewel of the early Renaissance and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.
A journey to Vienna, Austria, to explore Schönbrunn Palace and its beautiful French gardens.
We explore the history of the Tower of London, an 11th century fortress built on the banks of the River Thames.
We head to the Wawel Royal Castle in Kraków to discover this former palace of the kings of Poland.