Palais des Papes
Palais des Papes is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Provence audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~120 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 ~120 min
- Provence Provence guide
About Palais des Papes
The world's largest Gothic palace, built between 1335 and 1352 as the seat of the Avignon Papacy, covering 15,000 square metres across two vast interconnected buildings.
The Palais des Papes is the defining monument of Avignon and one of the most important Gothic buildings in the world. Built in two phases, the Old Palace (Palais Vieux) under Pope Benedict XII (1335-1342) and the New Palace (Palais Neuf) under Pope Clement VI (1342-1352), the complex covers 15,000 square metres and contains over 25 rooms and halls. At its peak, the palace was the administrative, religious, and diplomatic heart of the Catholic Church, housing the Pope, his cardinals, a vast bureaucracy, and receiving ambassadors from every Christian kingdom. The fortress-like exterior conceals richly decorated interiors, including the magnificent chapel frescoes by Matteo Giovannetti. The palace and historic Avignon are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Did you know? The Palais des Papes sprawls across some 15,000 square metres of halls, floors, and chapels, the largest Gothic palace ever built, combining fortress, palace, and church in one colossal structure.
How long should you spend at Palais des Papes?
Plan about ~120 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 12 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Provence, 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 Provence
Hear the story of Palais des Papes
Preview the Provence tour free in the Gingerguide app.