Palais des Papes, Papal palace in Avignon, France
The Palais des Papes is a medieval papal palace, museum and fortress in Avignon that stretches across several levels and wings. The complex includes watchtowers, battlements, private chambers, chapels and grand audience halls whose stone walls have endured for centuries.
Begun in 1252 on the Rocher des Doms, the palace was rebuilt from 1334 by Benedict XII as the fortified Palais Vieux, then extended by Clement VI and his successors into the Palais Neuf, with a 52-metre Grand Chapel. Six conclaves met here, electing Benedict XII in 1334 and Benedict XIII in 1394. Gregory XI left for Rome in 1377; antipopes Clement VII and Benedict XIII kept Avignon until 1403.
The name reflects the dual role of spiritual authority and political power, both visible in the high walls and halls that once received kings and cardinals. Today visitors use the same courtyards and galleries to move between exhibitions and events.
The entrance lies in the center of Avignon and leads into sprawling rooms often connected by steep stairs and narrow passages. Anyone with difficulty climbing should check accessible routes in advance.
The painted ceiling of the Chambre du Cerf, in the Tour de la Garde-robe, shows a fishing scene, a bathing scene and a child in a tree with dogs. The Salle de la Grande Audience carries vault frescoes of prophets and sibyls, among them Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Moses and Solomon. The palace opened to the public in 1907 and drew 774,325 visitors in 2023.
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