Why is Palais des Papes famous?
Architecture. With 15,000 square metres (160,000 sq ft) of floor space, the Palais is the largest Gothic palace in all of Europe and, due to its many architectural merits, one of the most important in the world.
Why was the Palais des Papes built?
When Clement V was elected Pope in 1305, he decided to transfer papal power to Avignon to avoid political unrest in Rome. He chose to build on the foundations of an old Episcopal bishop palace, but it was under Pope Benedict XII in 1334 that the original buildings were really expanded.
Why is Avignon called La Cite des Papes?
Avignon is a must-see town in the South of France. It is often called “la cité des Papes”, by the presence of the Palace of the Popes, and was for a long time the Vatican in Provence.
Who built Avignon?
It was Benedict XII who built the Old Palace and his successor Clement VI the New Palace. He bought the town on 9 June 1348 from Joanna I of Naples, the Queen of Naples and Countess of Provence for 80,000 florins. Innocent VI endowed the city walls.
Where did popes live in France?
Avignon papacy, Roman Catholic papacy during the period 1309–77, when the popes took up residence at Avignon, France, instead of at Rome, primarily because of the current political conditions.
Who constructed the Palais des Papes?
1335-1342. Benedict XII assigned architect Pierre Poisson, his compatriot from his native county of Foix, with the responsibility for the construction of the palace.
Who had a palace in Avignon France?
Built in less then 20 years starting in 1335, the Popes’ Palace is the amalgamation of two palaces built by two popes: Benedict XII, who built the Old Palace to the east and north, and his successor Clement VI who built the New Palace to the south and west.
What country is Avignon in?
France
Avignon, city, capital of Vaucluse département, Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur région, southeastern France. It lies at a point on the east bank of the Rhône River where the narrow valley opens into a broad delta plain, northwest of Nîmes. It was the capital of the papacy from 1309 to 1377.
When did pope move to Avignon?
1309–
Avignon papacy, Roman Catholic papacy during the period 1309–77, when the popes took up residence at Avignon, France, instead of at Rome, primarily because of the current political conditions.
Why did pope’s move to Avignon?
French-born Pope Clement V ordered the move in response to the increasingly fractious and political environment in Rome, which had seen his predecessors face off against Philip IV of France – the man who had ensured Clement’s election by the conclave and who was pressing for the papal residence to move to France.
When was Avignon castle built?
Why did the Catholic Church moved to Avignon?