Palais des Papes
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What people say
Sibley Slade
Available for hire
"You can tour the fortified palace year round, but be sure to purchase a ticket in advance if you are working with a tight schedule since all ticket reservations are timed! Upon a tour, you will find that the interior is just as grand and beautiful as the exterior. Allow yourself to be transported not only through time but also space by the incroyable frescoes depicting scenes of angels, woodland creatures, and religious icons. You can glance out over the city through stained glass windows, as I liked to imagine the nine popes who resided in the palace had often done.
I think the history of the palace, and therefore Avignon, is fascinating. Although the Palais des Papes is the largest Gothic Palace in the world, I’ve found that many people don’t know this fact or much of why the palace exists at all. Here are the sparknotes… In the 14th century Pope Clement V wished to move the seat of the Catholic Papacy to France. At the time the move was justified as a means of protecting the Pope from the anger and chaos in Rome regarding his election. Avignon then became the home of the next seven popes, all of whom were also French. In 1378, Pope Gregory XI left Avignon for Rome, and the following two Popes of Avignon governed in opposition to the legitimate Pope of Rome. By 1403, the papacy had been expelled from Avignon. The museum of the Palais des Papes has artifacts from this time period, also know as The Great Schism of 1378, including letters of correspondence between Avignon and Rome. "
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Caitlyn` Zagar
Available for hire
"HIGHLY RECOMMEND:
The palace’s construction began in 1335 and is now the biggest Gothic palaces in all of Europe.
The audioguide offered with your visit is incredibly interactive and fun to use as it guides you through over 20 rooms inside the palace. I really loved this audioguide!
Throughout your visit, you had to find hidden treasures using your own tablet and you could use the tablet to recreate what the rooms would have looked like back in the hay-day! It was really well done, I was impressed!
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Annie Kattapuram
Available for hire
"This colossal 14th century palace was once the seat of the papacy when Pope Clement V fled Rome. Covering a massive 15, 000 square meters, this palace is the union of Old Palace and New Palace, which was built by two different popes.
Explore the vast chambers and grand halls, and pop over to the rooftop terrace and cafe for spectacular views over the city.
It is recommended that tickets are booked in advance, as lines can be long especially in the summer months."
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