Palais des Papes in Avignon

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If you go on holiday by car, you will pass Avignon during the journey to Provence in the south of France. If you have time to spare, it is definitely worth stopping and visiting the Palais des Papes. Even if you have already arrived at your holiday home, it is a great destination to go visit for a day and not only if you happen to pass by. The Palace of the Popes is a beautiful and imposing structure in Avignon. In fact, it is the largest Gothic building in all of Europe. Due to its monumental character, it was placed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1995 as the most important Gothic palace in the world. Since 1906 it has been a museum. The building receives more than 650,000 visitors annually and therefore has a spot in the top 10 sights in France, which also includes buildings such as the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Arc de Triomphe. The Louvre is at No. 9 and the Palace in Avignon at No. 10.

A day full of surprises

You will be wonderfully surprised when visiting the Palace of the Popes, in the heart of the historic centre of Avignon. When standing in front of the building, you will really realize what a huge structure this is. The palace has an area of 15,000m2 which has a similar area to four large Gothic cathedrals combined. The huge palace was built in 30 years, between 1335 and 1364, during the period when Popes Benedict XII, Clement VI and Innocent VI were in power. Being both a palace and a fortress, its huge walls are more 10m thick in some places. It had to be an impregnable fortress that could guarantee the safety of the pope. A total of 12 towers were placed in strategic places and there are even two large chapels in one of the towers. The building is a symbol of the power and wealth of the Roman church in those days. Now that it has become a museum, there are regular cultural activities such as concerts and theatre and art exhibitions with works by Mondrian, Picasso, Matisse and other famous artists. The Avignon Festival is held on the village square in July.

Seven popes in Avignon

  • Pope Clement V, 1305-1314
  • Pope John XXII, 1316-1334
  • Pope Benedict XII, 1334-1342
  • Pope Clement VI, 1342-1352
  • Pope Innocent VI, 1352-1362
  • Pope Urban V, 1362 -1370
  • Pope Gregory XI, 1370-1378
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Two and even three popes in just one period

In the 13th century, there was a power struggle between the civil and church authorities. After the death of Bonafius VIII in 1303, the electing cardinals fell entirely under French influence. Philip IV of France urged Pope Clement V, himself a Frenchman, to leave war-torn Italy and settle in Avignon in 1309. Which is what happened. Clement VI bought Avignon from Queen Joanna of Naples. Avignon became a papal possession until 1791. The countries that disagreed with the pope's stay in Avignon called it "the Babylonian captivity". Even the writer Dante Alighieri got involved in his "La Divina Comedia". Pope Gregory returned to Rome in 1377, but after his death, the new Pope Urban VI did not do what the French cardinals wanted. So, they appointed an antipope: Clement VII. From that moment on, there were 2 popes and the "Western Schism" had begun (1378 – 1415). Both popes banned each other and became increasingly unbelievable. The Council of Pisa in 1409 deposed both popes and appointed a new one. At that time, there were 3 popes competing against each other. Finally, in 1417, Pope Martin V was  elected, who was recognized by all.

After the Western Schism

The Palace of the Popes, which Benedict XII and Clement VI had instructed to be built on top of a rock near the Rhône, fell into disrepair after the departure of the antipope. During the French Revolution, it was looted and statues were demolished because it was a symbol of power and aristocracy in the eyes of many. Later, when Napoleon Bonaparte was in power, the building was used as a barracks and prison. Around the year 1900, Avignon realized that it was actually a special building that had to be used. In 1906 it was set up as a National Museum and renovations were started.

The Old and New Palace

The Palais des Papes consists of two parts. The first part was built under Benedict XII and has a sober design. It was designed by Pierre Poison from Mirepoix. Four wings were built around a courtyard with towers that were needed to defend the palace if it was besieged. One of these towers contains a prison, a weapons cellar, coal cellars, and storerooms. This old part is also home to the Pope's former private quarters. Clement V, who loved luxury and status, had the new part built by architect Jean de Louvres. He appointed the well-known Italian painters Simone Martini and Matteo Giovanetti to add all kinds of decorations.

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The interior of the Palace of the Popes

The central courtyard between the old and new palace is the Cour d'Honneur. This is where the annual theatre festival takes place. From the courtyard you enter the Trésor Bas and the Grande Trésorie. Underneath the tiled floor there were secret hiding places for valuables. Church property was also registered here. Another door leads to the Salle de Jésus, a vestibule to the  Pope’s private apartments. Underneath the Pope's bedroom in the Tour des Anges was the Chambre de Carnérier. This is where the eunuch, the highest official, slept. Next to the Pope's room was the dressing room: the Revestiaire Pontifical. The Salle de Consistoire was a room where the pope met with the cardinals and received princes and other dignitaries. Other spaces include the Grand Tinel, Cuisine Haute, Chapelle St. Martial and Chambre du Cerf.

Important rooms in the palace

Grand Tinel - The largest room used for banquets and was where the cardinals elected a new pope
Cuisine Haute - The kitchen with a huge chimney on the tower, this tower was used as storage room.
Chapelle St. Martial - This chapel is in the Tour de St. Jean and has beautiful frescoes
Chambre du Cerf - The Pope's work and study room with a beautiful view over Avignon.

Festival and Audiotour

Every year in July, the internationally renowned Festival d'Avignon takes place. The Cour d'honneur is the most prestigious venue for this event. From mid-August there is "Les Luminessences d'Avignon". All kinds of light and sound projections are displayed on the walls of the palace, depicting the history of the palace.
During your visit, you will receive a "Histopad" with 2D and 3D animations, based on augmented reality. This will give you an impression of what everything used to look like. Click here for opening hours and tickets.

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