Saint Martial's Chapel, Palace of Popes, Chapel in Palace of Popes, Avignon, France

Saint Martial's Chapel, on the second floor of the Saint-Jean Tower in the Palace of Popes, is a small chapel painted by Matteo Giovannetti in 1344–1345. Its vaults and upper walls carry scenes from the life of Saint Martial, read from top to bottom, while the lowest register, just above the floor, shows trompe-l'œil motifs. The paint is worn in places.

In the 1340s, Pope Clement VI hired an Italian painter to decorate the chapel while the papacy was based in Avignon. This decoration took place during a period when popes made their residence in this French city instead of Rome.

The chapel displays scenes from Saint Martial's life that present him as an early spreader of faith in southern regions. These images helped people understand the story of this holy figure through visual narratives.

The chapel is located on the second floor of Saint John's tower and can be reached through the main dining hall. Visitors should be prepared to climb several sets of stairs to access this space.

The lowest register, just above the floor, is painted in trompe-l'œil rather than with scenes of the saint. Because this band sits closest to visitors, it has suffered more damage than the cycles above it. Look for the painted pointed arches and the worn wooden double door set in a rounded arch.