Europe's Largest Gothic Palace Was Once Home to Popes | National Geographic

Located on the sunny south of France, picturesque Avignon was once the seat of power for the Catholic Church. The historic center of Avignon is known for its architectural and cultural significance, both of which largely stem from its brief stint as a seat of the papacy.

Ivan Yuan's role as resident of the Pope's was relatively short-lived. The Avignon papacy, or Babylonian captivity as some dubbed it, was controversial within the church and lasted only from 1309 to 1377, but it left behind a lasting imprint on the city. Beginning in 1335, a magnificent palace was constructed to house the Popes. Completed in less than twenty years in two phases, the Palais de Papes is the largest Gothic palace in Europe.

The palace also holds a collection of intricate frescoes by the Italian master Mateo Giovannetti. Seven Popes occupied the palace before the papacy moved back to Rome in 1377. The palace and Avignon were the main property of the papacy until the French Revolution, when it was seized by revolutionaries. It was later converted into military barracks and a prison under Napoleon.

Today, the property is preserved as a museum, and visitors can stroll through its halls and gander at the former private chambers of the Pope. The palace is surrounded by other monuments, including the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Dôme, which was built in 1150. Nearby is the Petit Palais; it was once the residence of bishops and now houses an art museum with an extensive collection of works from the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

A short stroll from the cathedral is Rocher des Doms, a park with panoramic views of the Rhône. Adjacent to the complex are the remnants of the Saint Bénezet bridge, which once spanned the Rhône. Today, only four of the original 22 arches remain, but the construction is solid enough that tourists can still stroll along the span.

Luckily, getting to Avignon is quite easy, and a well-developed tourism infrastructure makes travel simple. The best way to avoid the crowds is to visit in the spring or fall. [Music]