Europe's Largest Gothic Palace Was Once Home to Popes | National Geographic

Summary

Located in the sunny south of France, Avignon is a city rich in history, once serving as the seat of the Catholic Church during the Avignon Papacy (1309–1377). The stunning Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe, was built to house the popes and features frescoes by Italian master Matteo Giovannetti. The area is filled with historical landmarks, including the Notre-Dame des Doms Cathedral and the remnants of the Saint-Bénézet Bridge. Today, Avignon is a major tourist destination with well-preserved architecture and a robust tourism infrastructure, best visited in spring or fall.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Avignon is a historic city in southern France, once the seat of the Catholic Church.
• 🕍 The Avignon Papacy, also known as the Babylonian Captivity, was a controversial period from 1309 to 1377.
• 🏛 The Palais de PAP, constructed from 1335, is the largest Gothic palace in Europe and now a museum.
• 🎨 The palace contains exquisite frescoes by the Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti.
• 🗽 The papacy moved back to Rome in 1377, and the palace was later used as military barracks and a prison.
• 🏞 The city is surrounded by other monuments, including the Cathedral of Notre Dame de dôme, built in 1150.
• 🖼 The Petit Palais, once a bishop's residence, now houses an art museum with medieval and Renaissance works.
• 🌳 Rocher des Doms is a park near the palace offering panoramic views of the Rhône River.
• 🌉 Adjacent to the palace is the Saint Benezet bridge, with only four of the original 22 arches remaining.
• 🚗 Avignon is easily accessible with a well-developed tourism infrastructure, and visiting in spring or fall avoids crowds.

Q & A

Where is Avignon located?

Avignon is located in the sunny south of France.

What is the significance of Avignon's historic center?

The historic center of Avignon is known for its architectural and cultural significance, largely stemming from its brief stint as a seat of the papacy.

What is the term for the period when the Catholic Church's power was centered in Avignon?

The period is known as the Avignon papacy or sometimes referred to as the Babylonian captivity.

How long did the Avignon papacy last?

The Avignon papacy lasted from 1309 to 1377.

What was constructed in Avignon in 1335 to house the Popes?

A magnificent palace known as the Palais de PAP was constructed in 1335 to house the Popes.

What is special about the Palais de PAP?

The Palais de PAP is the largest Gothic palace in Europe and holds a collection of intricate frescoes by the Italian master Mateo Giovannetti.

How many Popes occupied the Palais de PAP before the papacy moved back to Rome?

Seven Popes occupied the Palais de PAP before the papacy moved back to Rome in 1377.

What happened to the Palais de PAP during the French Revolution?

During the French Revolution, the Palais de PAP was seized by revolutionaries.

What is the current status of the Palais de PAP?

Today, the Palais de PAP is preserved as a museum where visitors can stroll through its halls.

What other monuments are located near the Palais de PAP?

Nearby the Palais de PAP are the Cathedral of Notre Dame de dôme, the Petit Palais, and Rocher they'd own park.

What is the significance of the Saint Benezet bridge adjacent to the complex?

The Saint Benezet bridge once spanned the Rhone River, and today, tourists can still stroll along the span where only four of the original 22 arches remain.

What is the best time to visit Avignon to avoid crowds?

The best time to visit Avignon to avoid crowds is in the spring or fall.