Monuments d'Avignon

The monuments of Avignon are a collection of medieval and historical structures in the city, led by the Papal Palace, which occupies a large area and contains numerous rooms. The ramparts surround the city with high walls and several gates, while the Saint Benezet Bridge spans across the river.

The Papal Palace was built in the 14th century when Avignon became a temporary seat of the papacy and grew in importance. The fortification walls were constructed during this period to protect the expanding city and reflect its political power.

The Mint building from 1619 shows its original function through its name, though it now serves as a music conservatory hosting performances during the Festival Off. The structure reflects Italian baroque design through its architectural details that visitors can observe while walking through the city.

Most visitors do best arriving during daytime, when light illuminates the interiors and outdoor areas adequately and temperatures remain comfortable. Comfortable walking shoes are important since you will spend considerable time on foot and some areas have uneven surfaces.

The Saint Benezet Bridge today stands as only a fragment of its original structure, making it a puzzling construction spanning the river. The reason for this decay lies in repeated flooding that damaged the supports and caused loss of most arches.