YeinJee's Travel Journal » Visit Avignon

Palais des Papes, Avignon

Yein Jee — Wed, 12 Oct 2005 04:30:27 +0000

Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) was built in the 14th century during the Avignon papacy.

I was not too impressed by the Palace. Set aside its history, the only thing that worth mentioning is perhaps its enormous size. There might be some interesting stuff in the palace, but I didn’t have much time to explore it… we were just stopping at Avignon for lunch and a short break as we were heading for Nice.

Photo of Palais des Papes

History of the Palace

Avignon became the residence of the Popes in 1309. The current Palace was a reconstruction of the old bishops’ palace; the reconstruction was initiated by the 3rd Avignon Pope, Pope Benedict XII (1334-42), and continued by his successors to 1364.

Besides serving as the Popes’ Palace, the building was also built as a fortress.

The last Pope that stayed in the Palace was Pope Gregory XI; he decided to move back to Rome in 1377 and died in 1378.

Papal Schism

The death of Pope Gregory XI has led to Papal Schism (or Western Schism) which saw a split within the Catholic Church. Pope Urban VI was elected as the successor, but his dignity and capability was soon questioned by some cardinals. Majority of the cardinals then removed themselves from Rome and elected Pope Clement VII, whom re-established a papal court in Avignon in the same year.

The Papal Schism lasted almost 40 years (1378-1417), by the end of the era, there was 3 men simultaneously claimed to be the real Pope (Rome, Avignon and Pisa). The papacy was continued by the Roman line in the end.

Photos of Palais des Papes

L’Hôtel des Monnaies, a 17th century hotel just opposite the palace

Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms d’Avignon

Yein Jee — Wed, 12 Oct 2005 04:00:52 +0000

Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms d’Avignon, or Avignon Cathedral in short, is located just beside the Palais des Papes at the Place du Palais.

The cathedral was built in 12th century; the most prominent feature of the building is the gilded statue of Virgin Mary on top of the tower.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms d’Avignon and its Virgin Mary statue

Avignon, France

Yein Jee — Wed, 12 Oct 2005 03:30:31 +0000

Avignon is a historical city in France, best known for its Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), where the Popes lived for much of the 14th century. Seven Popes (all French) resided in Avignon from 1309 to 1377 during the Avignon papacy.

We stopped by Avignon on our journey from Lyon to Nice for our lunch and a bit of extra time to have a walk around the city.

City of Avignon, France

Random photos of Avignon

Opera Theatre in Avignon

Avignon Cathedral and Palais des Papes

Avignon branch of Banque de France (Central Bank of France)

Hotel de Ville… also the city hall of Avignon

A unique sculpture alongside the old city wall