General view

The residence which the popes built in the southern France town of Avignon in the 14th century was one of the largest fortified palace complexes in Europe. One time fortress and palace, the papal residence was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century.

The Palace is actually made up of two buildings: the old Palais of Benedict XII which sits on the impregnable rock of Doms, and the new Palais of Clement VI, the most extravagant of the Avignon popes. Not only is the final combination the largest Gothic building of the Middle Ages, it is also one of the best examples of the International Gothic architectural style.

The photo shows a view of the Papal Palace and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-Doms.

View the ground plan of the Papal Palace and Cathedral, Avignon.