Each of us at least once in our lives has come across the term "residence". The word is usually associated with luxurious, rich mansions and castle-like houses. A well-groomed territory and a yard are an obligatory addition to chic places of this type. The grandeur of the residences inspires us with admiration, delight, and sometimes respect.
What is a residence
The very word exudes luxury. No wonder, probably, one of the meanings of the word "residence" is the designation of the seat of the sovereign, prince or some other high-ranking person. This definition immediately makes it clear that only people of significant and high status can afford to live in such a place. It turns out that in order to understand what a residence is, you need to know who should live in it. Translated from Latin, the term means the meeting place of the government, head of state or other persons holding major administrative posts.
Origin of the word "residence"
In Russian, the word "residence" was borrowed from Polish in the era of Peter I and was translated very simply, only as "location".
The most famous residences
Because buildings of this type were used by various heads of state, including kings and emperors, many of them definitely occupy a significant place in the history of the state. When you look at these majestic buildings, it immediately becomes clear what a residence is.
La Fortaleza
The fortress of La Fortaleza is one of the most famous residences in the world. The construction of the walls of the fortress continued from 1533 to 1540. Her function was to protect the harbor of San Juan. It was from this building that the construction of a line of military buildings began, the task of which was to protect the city. The residence is now owned by the Governor of Puerto Rico.
Royal Palace in Amsterdam
The palace was built as a town hall during the Golden Age of the Netherlands, in the 17th century. Now it is one of three palaces in the Netherlands under the control of the monarch. Its halls and galleries hide paintings by Dutch artists such as Rembrandt, Jan Lievens and others. The western side of Dam Square, located directly in the center of Amsterdam, is the location of the Royal Palace.
Drottningholm
Built at the end of the 16th century and located in the vicinity of Stockholm, Drottninholm Palace has been the residence of kings since 1981. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the palace opens its doors to everyone throughout the year. A huge number of tourists come to see Drottninholm, because the park areas and gardens surrounding the palace are one of the main attractions, and what is a residence without a luxurious surrounding area!
