A remarkable architecture
The Pope’s Palace
The Pope’s Palace was built in the 14th century, it is the symbol of the historic center of Avignon
Seven popes lived in this place, from 1309 to 1378. This monument, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, played a leading cultural role in Europe. The monument constitutes the most important Gothic palace in the West. The floor of the Palais des Papes measures 15,000 m2 and a volume of four Gothic cathedrals. This fortress decorated by Simone Martini and Matteo Giovanetti is surrounded by ramparts.
To the north, we find the Old Palace, it was built during the reign of Benedict XII. To the south is the New Palace built by his successor Clement VI. The new palace houses the pontifical chapel. The Old Palace includes the Consistory room. You can see the Saint-Jean chapel from this room. The Saint Jean chapel has two towers, one of them is called the Trouillas tower. This tower is 52 meters high. The Petit Palais, begun in 1317, was originally the residence of the bishops of Avignon. It was then enlarged in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Also, we are sure that you will enjoy the visit to the living room of Clement VI. This room is decorated with priceless frescoes that tell the life of Saint Martial.
The Palais des Papes was transformed into barracks after the Revolution. In the 20th century, the Palais des Papes regained its original design and this allowed its history to be expressed. This historic center has retained sufficient authenticity to allow its architectural coherence to be appreciated. It welcomes 600,000 visitors per year and is one of the ten most visited monuments in France.
The cathedral “Notre Dame des Doms”
This metropolitan basilica is built according to the tradition of a 4th century Christian basilica.
Its Romanesque construction dates back to 1150. It dominates the Rhône valley next to the Palais des Papes from the Rocher des Doms. Gothic chapels were added from the 14th century until the 17th century. At the top of the bell tower, you will see the golden statue of the Virgin which seems to protect the city. Dear tourists, if you visit the cathedral, you can admire inside a treasure of sacred art and the tomb of Pope John XXII. The calvary platform was erected in 1619.
At the northern foot of the Rocher des Doms, the ramparts, the Tour des Chiens and the Châtelet constitute the defenses of the city.
The Bridge of Avignon
The Avignon Bridge was a place of passage for pilgrims between Spain and Italy. Its past is linked to medieval life
The Saint-Bénézet bridge is also called the Avignon bridge. It measured 920 meters. There remain 4 arches out of the twenty-two arches. It was built from the 12th century, it ensured the connection of the two banks of the Rhône. The Avignon Bridge today welcomes 400,000 visitors per year. It is also the name of a famous children’s song “sur le pont d’avignon”. In this song, the Avignon bridge is a place to dance together. We still dance on the bridge and it has since been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its destruction is linked to hydraulic and climatic changes. Visitors can discover the history of Avignon and the Rhône, the legend of the bridge and that of the famous song. A community of researchers under the direction of Grand Avignon and the CNRS has reconstructed the bridge in 3D from all periods.
Scientific research enthusiasts appreciate the museum space. An exhibition and film screenings help them solve the bridge’s puzzles. Audio guides are available in 11 languages. A specific audio guide has been designed to allow young people aged 8 to 16 to understand the visit.
A family rate exists for the “palace and bridge” ticket for two adults and one child. The bridge is free for children under 8 years old.
Place du Palais, the Petit Palais, the ramparts, the Saint-Bénézet bridge and the Palais des Papes are municipal property. Notre-Dame des Doms Cathedral belongs to the State.