In Vadodara, India, stands the largest private residence on the planet: the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, a colossal structure boasting 170 rooms, though today only four members of the former Baroda royal family live there. This disproportion between size and occupancy makes it one of the most striking examples of residential architecture worldwide.
The palace occupies 2.8 million square meters, an area far exceeding that of any contemporary mansion, making it a true architectural giant. To put it in perspective: its surface area is almost four times larger than Buckingham Palace and bigger than several entire urban complexes. Its scale is not only impressive but also defies any modern benchmark for private residences.
Built in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the palace was conceived as a symbol of power, wealth, and modernity for its time. Its architecture blends Indo-Saracenic influences with European elements, incorporating ballrooms, galleries, courtyards, temples, and even a private golf course. Every space was designed to showcase the grandeur of the Gaekwad dynasty.
Today, Lakshmi Vilas is more than just a residence: it is a living testament to India's history and an era when architecture was a political statement. Although much of the complex remains closed to the public, its presence continues to be a cultural icon and a reminder of how luxury and power could be materialized in stone, marble, and almost impossible proportions.
Source: huffingtonpost.es
Photo: Kindel Media/Canva.
