Palais des Papes

The Palais des Papes is a massive fortress-palace located on Place du Palais in the center of Avignon. Built between 1335 and 1352, it functioned as the official residence and center of administration for seven successive popes during the 14th century.

This structure is historically significant as the absolute symbol of the church's power during the Avignon Papacy. It is officially the largest Gothic palace in the world, representing a period when Avignon, rather than Rome, was the political, cultural, and religious capital of Europe.

Approaching the building is an overwhelming visual experience. You are faced with towering, sheer stone walls and ten heavily fortified towers, creating an intimidating fortress exterior that gives way to vast, echoing banquet halls, chapels, and over twenty major rooms inside.

To understand the sheer, monumental scale of the Palais des Papes, consider its physical footprint. The palace covers an incredible 15,000 square meters of floor space, which creates an interior volume equivalent to four massive Gothic cathedrals combined.

Planning your visit? Allow at least 90 minutes inside - it's the single biggest mistake visitors make to rush through. Our local's guide to planning your time in Avignon maps out exactly how to fit the Palais into your stay.