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The Palais des Papes (Papal Palace), the legendary " Pont d'Avignon" ( Bridge at Avignon), and the Festival draw every year in the city thousands of visitors, very interested in history and culture. The discovery of the old city of Avignon is managed through the tortuous lanes which hide quiet churches, typical italian lively places, beautiful private hostels and a great number of wealthy museums. The old Papal City has, through its wealthy past, kept a lot of sumptuous monuments and it is at the foot hill of the Rocher des Doms ( Dom's Rock) lined by the Rhône River, protected against the Mistral wind and by the old walls behind which the City of Avignon hides its treasures.

History is definitely the key to grasp the City of Avignon.

Dawning the 14th century, Italy, in political crisis, passes through great troubles. At Roma the security of the papacy became precarious, threats pressed on the life of the pontiff, compelling the choice of a new residence. These events are exacerbated by the disagreements between Papa Boniface VIII and Philippe IV le Bel.

Election on 1305 of a french prelate, loyal subject of the king, will mark the peace between the Holy See and the kingdom. Having put on the papal tiara on the head at Lyon, the new Pape decides, under the pressure of the suzerain to live in France. The one who will be the first pape in Avignon, will rule under the name of Clément V. He formally enters into the City on March 9, 1309. Seven pontiffs will succeed to him in Avignon between 1309 and 1377. The ecclesiastic power will take an active part to the protection of the City and its perenniality, to provide it of magnificent monuments and to day of its cultural character.

Non limited list of significant places of interest in Avignon.

 

Papal Palace (Palais des Papes)

The first Pontiff Clement V considers Avignon like a temporary residence where he lives time to time. In 1316, his successor Jean XXII settles in the old episcopal palace close to the cathedral Notre Dame des Doms. He will rule up to his death which occurred on 1334, easily satisfy to increase and to relook his residence only to cope with his new attributions. From a temporary use, the papal residence in Avignon becomes a permanent one after the election of Benoit XII in 1334. He demolishes the old palace and builds a huge fortress appropriate to pray and to defend : it is the "Old Palace", the stern architect of which is looking like his sponsor a modest Cistercian monk. On 1343 stands on the throne of Saint Pierre an aristocrat, archbishop of Rouen. Wishing install the papacy in walls worthy to it, Clement VI, entrusts to a parisian architect Jean de Louvres the building of "New Palace" enlarging the old palace of Benoit XII. But all these expenses cause the ruins of the apostolic treasure. Innocent VI and Urbain V enemies of luxury and excess, easily satisfy to achieve the works engaged by their predecessors and to make prettier the gardens.