THE WONDERS OF EUROPE is a four-part docuseries that tells the story of the people who built some of the biggest and most unique landmarks in Europe monuments: the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, the temples of the Acropolis, and the Alhambra complex. Intended for a young and 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.
In order to ensure scientific and historical accuracy, the writer/director of each episode has been advised by historical experts.
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.
Versailles, Louis XIV and His DestinyE2 · 50 min
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 Acropolis, The Masterpiece Of PericlesE3 · 50 min
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.
Alhambra, Treasure Of AndalusiaE4 · 50 min
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.
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