Avignon : city of the popes
The palace of papes à Avignon - © istock
Avignon, a southern French city located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, is famous for its medieval history as well as for its famous Palace of Papes, the papal residence during a part of the 14th century.
The city has a long history dating back to antiquity, but it reached its peak during the Middle Ages. In 1309, Pope Clement V chose Avignon as his new residence in response to the political instability and violence that reigned in Rome at that time.
The Palais des Papes, located in the center of Avignon, is an imposing building that testifies to this period of history. It was built in several stages, starting in 1335, under the orders of Popes Benedict XII and Clement VI. The monument consists of two parts: the old part, called the Palais Vieux, and the new part, called the Palace of Papes. The former is a set of buildings dating back to the 13th century, initiated during the first construction. The building is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture, consisting of four wings arranged around an inner courtyard. The largest room in the palace is the Great Audience, which measures 52 meters long, 18 meters wide, and 12 meters high. It was in this room that the pope held solemn ceremonies and audiences.
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Clement V : the first pope to reside in Avignon
Clement V was the first pope to reside in Avignon. He was born in 1264 in southern France, elected pope in 1305, and succeeded Benedict XI. Before his election, Clement V was Archbishop of Bordeaux and had a long career in the Catholic Church. Shortly after his election, Clement V faced a conflict between the King of France Philip IV the Fair and the Order of the Templars. Philip IV, who had disagreements with the order, launched accusations of heretical and immoral practices against them. Clement V eventually succumbed to Philip IV's pressure and condemned the order of the Templars at the Council of Vienne in 1312. The pope also played an important role in the construction of the Palais des Papes in Avignon, which became the papal residence for nearly 70 years. He died in 1314, after reigning for nine years as pope.
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The building is also famous for its wall frescoes, created by Italian artists in the 14th century. They represent religious scenes and portraits of the popes who resided in Avignon. These paintings are remarkable for their artistic quality and exceptional preservation.
The city of Avignon has many other historical monuments, such as the Notre-Dame des Doms Cathedral, a religious building dating back to the 12th century, which houses a statue of the Virgin Mary dating back to the 7th century. The Tour Philippe le Bel, a fortified tower dating back to the 14th century, was built on the orders of the King of France, Philip the Fair.
Avignon is also famous for its theater festival, which has been held every summer since 1947. The Avignon Festival is one of the most important cultural events in France, attracting thousands of visitors every year. During the summer event, many plays are presented in historical locations throughout the city, including the courtyard of the Palace of Papes.
Avignon is a jewel of French medieval history, of which the Palais des Papes is the most beautiful illustration...
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