Palais des Papes
Palais des Papes is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Avignon audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~90 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type palace
- Suggested visit ~90 min
- Avignon Avignon guide
About Palais des Papes
The vast Gothic palace-fortress where seven popes ruled Western Christianity through the 14th century, often called the largest Gothic palace in Europe and the centrepiece of Avignon's UNESCO listing.
The Palais des Papes is a monumental Gothic palace-fortress that served as the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century. When Pope Clement V moved the papal court from Rome to Avignon in 1309, the city became the centre of the Catholic world, and seven popes reigned here before Gregory XI returned the papacy to Rome in 1377. The austere Palais Vieux was built under Benedict XII from about 1335, while the more ornate Palais Neuf followed under his successors, the ensemble largely complete by 1364.
With roughly 15,000 square metres of floor space, it ranks among the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. After the popes left, it served as barracks and a prison and was sacked during the Revolution, becoming a national museum in 1906. Today it draws on the order of 650,000 visitors a year, hosts the Festival d'Avignon in its Cour d'Honneur, and anchors the UNESCO World Heritage site inscribed in 1995.
Did you know? The count of Avignon popes is usually given as seven for 1309-1377, but rises to nine if you include the two antipopes of the later Western Schism, who held a rival court here until 1403.
How long should you spend at Palais des Papes?
Plan about ~90 min at Palais des Papes. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Palais des Papes worth visiting?
Palais des Papes is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Avignon, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Avignon
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Palais des Papes and read more:
Day 1 of the Avignon in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Palais des Papes
Preview the Avignon tour free in the Gingerguide app.