Hôtel des Monnaies, Historic mint building in Place du Palais, Avignon, France
Hôtel des Monnaies is a private mansion and classified historical monument at Place du Palais in Avignon, distinguished by its grand Italian facade. The structure displays rich sculptural ornamentations across its carefully proportioned stories, reflecting its former role as an important administrative seat.
Commissioned in 1619 by the papal vice-legate Jean-François de Bagni, the building initially served as a mint facility before evolving into different uses over centuries. It later functioned as military barracks and eventually underwent preservation efforts to maintain its historical standing.
The name reflects its origins as a coin-minting facility, a function that remains part of how locals understand the building's role in the city. The Italian facade with its ornate decorations serves as a visual reminder of the papal authority that once shaped Avignon's economy and power.
The building is reached via Place du Palais in central Avignon, situated among other protected structures in the historic quarter. When visiting, note that portions function as a hotel while other sections remain dedicated to exhibitions and heritage displays.
The building houses a Centre for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage, offering visitors deeper insight into Avignon's architectural story. These exhibition spaces document not only the history of this single structure but also reveal how the entire historic core of the city came to be built and shaped.
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