Within the God-King Palace lies a small architectural marvel that houses the private apartments of the God-King and his closest companions, whether family or favored courtiers. The building is surrounded by a canal designed to protect it from intrusions, and access is through the Hall of Confidences.

Built on a rectangular plan, the Inner Palace aims for intimacy through the size of its rooms and its private garden, visible only from the two floors’ galleries. Everything there is designed to make one feel far from the hustle of the Palace and its urban, military, and religious affairs. It is a haven where the God-King may recharge, rest, and distance himself from the world. Thus, no openings lead outside, except for the entrance door and a few defensive windows. The facades of the main Palace itself, which face the enclosure — or garden — where this inner palace stands, also emphasize this miniature haven of tranquility.

The interior of the building is warm, thanks to the use of paneling and draperies aimed at enhancing the intimate atmosphere, contrasting with the marbles and golds of the Palace itself.

Access to this Inner Palace is strictly forbidden to anyone whose name does not appear on the private list of the God-King. And how difficult it is to be included!

The Inner Palace was built in 870, making it a recent construction compared to the God-King Palace, which has older origins. This small palace complemented the private apartments that were hardly suitable for the God-Kings of the time, who were more attuned to a certain art of living away from the Court.

The deliberate asymmetry of the facade, with its access door slightly offset to the right, symbolizes the imperfection of the human soul, which the God-King must fight in a spiritual battle leading him to divine glory which he will attain at his death. This is, at least, one explanation for the building's layout. This “imperfection” also responds, according to an architect, to the visual flexibility necessary in this very severe and formal Palatial setting.

Indeed, when the inner palace was erected, it was necessary to seal all the openings that once led to the courtyard now transformed into this inner palace

Under the reign of Theaphanerys XIV, especially towards its end, the openings of the Hall of Confidences were once again freed, replaced by wrought iron grilles of the most beautiful effect. This particularly long-reigning God-King also made some modifications to the interior of the Inner Palace itself, which he frequently used in his later years.

!– Validated by Garnulf –

<!– Validated by Garnulf –>