Palais Des Papes

For much of the 14th century, Avignon was the seat of the papacy, and the Palais des Papes became the centre of papal power. Built between 1335 and 1352 under Popes Benedict XII and Clement VI, the vast Gothic palace combines the appearance of a fortress with richly decorated ceremonial halls, chapels and private papal apartments. Today, visitors can explore its monumental rooms and surviving medieval frescoes, including painted decoration by Matteo Giovannetti. The palace later served as a military barracks before opening to the public as a historic monument. It forms part of Avignon’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre.