Avignon Cathedral, Roman Catholic cathedral near Palais des Papes, Avignon, France
Avignon Cathedral is a Romanesque church located in the southern French city of Avignon, distinguished by its thick stone walls and rounded arches. A bell tower topped with a golden Virgin Mary statue installed in 1859 crowns the structure.
Construction of the cathedral began in the 12th century and was completed in 1425 while the city fell under the influence of the papal residence. Its completion came during a period when Avignon served as a major religious center in Europe.
The cathedral serves as a place of worship deeply connected to Avignon's papal past. Visitors can observe graves and artworks that reflect centuries of religious tradition.
The cathedral opens daily for worship services and religious observances. Visitors should be aware that active prayer times may limit access, so checking conditions in advance is wise.
The cathedral and the adjacent papal palace together form a UNESCO World Heritage site that defines the city's skyline from above. This pairing shows how closely the two structures are architecturally and historically intertwined.
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