Construction was financed largely through the sale of indulgences and taxes on clerical income.
The thickness of the palace walls measures up to three meters in certain areas to withstand siege warfare.
During the Great Western Schism, the palace hosted a line of antipopes, leading to its heavy fortification.
The Saint-Martial Chapel contains some of the best-preserved 14th-century frescoes depicting the life of Saint Martial.
The palace interior was once home to an extensive library that served as the largest collection of books in Europe during the 14th century.
The Great Chapel, or Grande Chapelle, was originally designed to host the solemn processions of the papal court.
Viollet-le-Duc led major restoration efforts in the 20th century to stabilize the crumbling facade.
The palace served as a temporary prison for political dissidents during the French Revolution.
The Palais des Papes is the largest Gothic palace in the world and served as the primary residence for seven popes during the 14th century. Located in Avignon, it functioned as both a fortress and a spiritual administrative center for the Catholic Church. The structure consists of two main sections: the Old Palace built under Benedict XII and the New Palace constructed by Clement VI. It features extensive medieval fresco cycles, notably in the St. John and St. Martial chapels, created by Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti. The architecture incorporates thick curtain walls, high towers, and a massive internal courtyard designed for defense and papal ceremony. Following the return of the papacy to Rome, the building served various roles, including a military barracks and a prison. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prominent museum venue. The palace covers an area of 15,000 square meters, making it the most significant monument in the city.
The elevated vantage point from the Rocher des Doms park looking down at the palace facade.
Download the HistoPad tablet provided at the entrance to see 3D reconstructions of the rooms as they appeared in the 14th century.
Wear comfortable, flat shoes as the stone floors are uneven and the tour involves significant amounts of stair climbing.
Visit the rooftop terrace for a panoramic view of the Rhône River and the Avignon bridge.
Do not attempt to see the entire site in under an hour; the layout is complex and requires significant walking time.
Open daily, though specific rooms may occasionally close for temporary exhibitions or private events.
Maintain a quiet tone within the chapel spaces; photography is permitted but strictly without flash to preserve the frescoes.
