Palais des Papes, Avignon

Palais des Papes, Avignon

Standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Rhone, the imposing Palais des Papes was the seat of the papacy in the 14th century, after Pope Clement V moved here to escape the violence in Rome due to conflicts between the Vatican and France.

Standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Rhone, the imposing Palais des Papes was the seat of the papacy in the 14th century, after Pope Clement V moved here to escape the violence in Rome due to conflicts between the Vatican and France. The gargantuan fortress is one of the largest medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being 'an outstanding example of late medieval ecclesiastical, administrative and military architecture'.

The Palais was built in 2 main phases – the austere Palais Vieux (Old Palace) was built by Pierre Poisson under Pope Benedict XII, and the grander Palais Neuf (New Palace) was built under Popes Clement VI, Innocent VI and Urban V. The heavily fortified Palais Vieux is built around a cloister, with a tower at each corner. The Palais Neuf has rooms decorated with frescoes, carved wooden ceilings, tapestries, paintings, and sculptures.

More than 25 rooms are open to the public, including the private Papal chamber and la chambre du cerf or Stag Room – the study with paintings of forests, hunting and fishing scenes, and various fauna. The wall paintings in the Saint Martial Chapel, Saint Jean Chapel, Consistory, and Grande Audience Hall were done by Matteo Giovannetti. Of particular note are the frescoes of 20 prophets, kings and patriarchs from the Old Testament in the Grande Audience Hall. You can also see the Grand Tinel banquet room, Great Clementine Chapel and rooftop terraces which offer great views over Avignon and the Rhone.

The Court of Honor hosts the principal performances of the Avignon Festival every summer.