The Gothic colossus of the popes: an Avignon palace steeped in history

The Gothic colossus of the popes: an Avignon palace steeped in history

Explore the grandeur of the largest medieval palace in Europe, a power center for Western Christianity, where popes ruled and lavish celebrations graced its halls.

In the heart of Avignon, France, the Palais des Papes towers as a testament to the power and influence of the popes during the 14th century. The building, finished in 1364, is the collaboration of two of France’s most accomplished architects, Pierre Poisson and Jean de Louvres, and represents one of the largest and most influential Gothic buildings in Europe. The Palais Vieux, built by Pierre Poisson, perches atop the fortress of Doms, while the expanded Palais Vieux by Jean de Louvres houses the sites of six papal conclaves, where six popes were elected, including the most extravagant, Clement VI. The grand chapel within the Palais des Papes echoed with the Mass of Notre-Dame of Guillaume de Machaut, and the renowned Ars Nova was performed here by Philippe de Vitry. The palace also boasted a grand library, featuring over 2,000 volumes, attracting scholars, composers, and musicians.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Nicolo Ciampini

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