Avignon rose to proeminence in the Christian world when pope Clement V decided to settle there in order to flee the wars in Rome in 1305. For around a century,…
Rhône river. Avignon is on one side only of the river.
Avignon was fortified between 1355 and 1378, during the hundred years war.
Wall around the city. The wall is in very good condition and almost complete.
Avignon city wall.
Avignon city gate.
Above the city wall.
Settling in Avignon started 5000 years ago on a large rock overlooking the Rhône river.
Main square in front of the Popes' palace, with the Rôone river in the background.
Rhône river.
Rhône river.
Main square in front of the Popes' palace : hotel Calvet de la Palun; built in 1789, it is one of the last hotels to be built in Avignon. Now used by the Bank…
Main square in front of the Popes' palace : hotel des monnaies, erected in memory of pope Paul V in the early 17th century, in plain baroque style.
Hotel des monnaies, erected in memory of pope Paul V in the early 17th century, in plain baroque style.