A photo from open sources
Thirteen kilometers from the Haitian city of Cap Haitien lie the ruins of the palace, which was once called Sanssouci. This palace in its time was the residence of the only, and very unusual, king of the country Henry I, who is better known by the name of Henry Christoph. Born in slavery, this man exalted himself during struggle for independence and subsequently became self-proclaimed King of Haiti.
Christoph’s reign was largely oriented towards European signs of monarchical prestige. By his order was not built less than nine palaces, fifteen castles, as well as many fortresses and mansions on the lands of all twenty king plantations.
However, the most amazing building, a real masterpiece the architectural art became precisely the palace of Sanssouci which was completed in 1813. Since Haiti was French is spoken, then from it it’s rather mysterious the name translates very simply – “carefree.” That’s why the most the magnificent palace of King Henri Christophe is also called “Carefree.”
And although this residence of the ruler of Haiti immediately becomes a place the most luxurious and lush celebrations, banquets and other entertainment, Christoph himself was not only not careless, but even kindness and philanthropy. Despite the fact that he himself came out of slaves, this king contemporaries called cruel and ruthless tyrant. Therefore, even the Sanssouci Palace is built almost on the bones of many thousands of ordinary people.
Note that the “Carefree” King Haiti Palace was considered the most magnificent government ensemble throughout the West Indies. More Moreover, even the Europeans recognized that Sanssouci was magnificent in its magnificence. could compete with the French Versailles – it turned out a kind Caribbean is its equivalent.
However, this palace ensemble was conceived, becoming only part of Kritof’s program that tried to demonstrate foreigners, in particular Americans and Europeans, that the black race no less than white, cultural and powerful. One of the king’s close associates even wrote at the time that sanssouci and magnificent gardens surrounding it, church and other components this grand palace ensemble, erected by descendants Africans perfectly demonstrate that the black race is not lost over time neither architectural taste, nor even her genius ancestors …
However, Christoph reigned in his beloved palace not very long, already in the fall of 1820 he was struck by paralysis, and, realizing that behind this will follow (the helpless king was not able to resist coup), Henry commits suicide.
The palace itself, like a piece of this tyrannical rule, soon also “dies”, as if going into oblivion after his the owner. In 1842, the strongest earthquake in Haiti destroys most of this magnificent palace ensemble, practically second Versailles. The remnants of its former splendor were stolen looters and robbers. Only ruins survived to our time this beautiful “Carefree” palace, which turned out, in fact, a reflection of the greatness and fall of a man who managed to rise from slaves to the king, but in the soul of those who remained – a slave …
Time
