Synodal Palace of Sens, Gothic palace next to Saint-Etienne Cathedral in Sens, France

The Synodal Palace of Sens is a Gothic building next to the cathedral in Sens, constructed to serve as an administrative seat for the church. The structure features two stories with large windows and detailed stonework, housing a main hall with high ceilings.

An archbishop began construction around 1220 to host church assemblies and ecclesiastical courts. The work was completed over several decades and became an important seat for religious administration in medieval France.

The name recalls the synods, church assemblies held in the great hall when Sens ranked above Paris in the Catholic hierarchy. Since 2015 the hall has hosted summer exhibitions of contemporary art, including a Pierre Soulages show in 2016. On the north wall hangs Bernard Gaillot's 1824 painting of Saint Louis and Robert d'Artois welcomed at Sens, restored in 2020.

The palace sits directly beside the cathedral and is easy to locate while exploring the city center. Note that the interior opens for exhibitions at certain times, so it is wise to check local information before visiting.

The synodal hall measures about 500 square metres with a ceiling 12 metres high, built for assemblies held when Sens outranked Paris in the church hierarchy. On the north wall hangs Bernard Gaillot's 1824 painting of the reception of the Holy Crown of Thorns, showing Louis IX and Robert of Artois welcomed at Sens; it was restored in 2020.