Located in Avignon in Southern France, the Palace of the Popes is considered one of the most important medieval structures in Europe. Construction of a convent began on the site in 1252, and in 1309, it became the seat of the Papacy when Rome rebelled against the election on Pope Clement V.
The Palais remained the center of Western Christianity throughout the 14th century. Attracting around 650,000 visitors a year, the fortress is Europe’s biggest Gothic building and is one of France’s top ten tourist attractions. Tour highlights include 14th-century frescoes painted by Matteo Giovannetti and secret chambers hidden in the palace’s 3 meter (10 foot) thick walls.
The Palais remained the center of Western Christianity throughout the 14th century. Attracting around 650,000 visitors a year, the fortress is Europe’s biggest Gothic building and is one of France’s top ten tourist attractions. Tour highlights include 14th-century frescoes painted by Matteo Giovannetti and secret chambers hidden in the palace’s 3 meter (10 foot) thick walls.
