The Popes' Palace
During your stay, a visit to the Popes' Palace is a must. It is the symbol of the influence of the church on the Christian West in the 14th century. Built in 1335, in less than twenty years, it was mainly the work of two building popes, Benedict XII and his successor Clement VI.
The Palace, residence of the 14th century pontifical rulers, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, constitutes the most important Gothic palace in the world (15,000 m2 of floor space, or in volume 4 Gothic cathedrals). It presents the visitor with more than twenty places, including the Pope’s private apartments and their fabulous fresco decor executed by the Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti.
The monument also offers the visitor regular cultural entertainment throughout the year. Thematic and educational exhibitions, themed visits, concerts are organized there. In particular, the Palace’s main courtyard is transformed into an open-air theater scene in July during the Avignon Festival. Today the "Palais des Papes" is one of the 10 most visited monuments in France.