architecture
Palace of the Popes
Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
Palais des Papes [French]
lo Palais dei Papas [Occitan]
Architecture
The papal palace of Avignon, which is more of a fortress, is considered one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings. It served as the residence of various popes and antipopes between 1335 and 1417, making it the seat of Western Christendom during the 14th century. Notably, the Palace has hosted six papal conclaves, which are elections for a new pope.
built
1252-1370
style/period
architect / constr. phase
1335-1342
construction of the Old Palace
1342-1364
addition of the New Palace
Specifications
floor area
15,000 m²
Geography
historical affiliations
1309-1791
UNESCO World Heritage Site
type
cultural
criteria
I,
II,
IV
designation
reference
228rev