Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), Avignon
The Palais des Papes is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Dominating Avignon from a hill is one of the most notorious palaces in the Christian world.
Headquarters of a Great Schism of cardinals who came close to toppling the authority of the popes in Rome in 14th century, it is part fortress, part showplace.
Avignon became the home of the popes in 1309, who were fleeing the violent chaos of Rome. The Palais was built between 1335 and 1364 on a natural rocky outcrop at the northern edge of Avignon, overlooking the river Rhône. The site was formerly occupied by the old episcopal palace of the bishops of Avignon.
The Popes’ Palace is the biggest Gothic palace in all of Europe and is the size of 4 Gothic cathedrals.
Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), Avignon mini guide
| Guide point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location: | The Palais des Papes is in Avignon, Provence |
| Address: | Place du Palais des Papes, 6, rue Pente Rapide Charles Ansidei, 84000 |
| Switch board number: | +33 (0)4 90 27 50 00 |
| Email address: | rmg@palais-des-papes.com |
| Website: | http://www.palais-des-papes.com/anglais/index.html |
| Facilities general: | Opening hours: Nov-Mar: daily 9:30am-5:45pm; |