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History of Avignon

The former Papal Residence of Avignon, today the capital of the Département of Vaucluse, lies on the left bank of the Rhône where the river is divided into two by the island of Barthelasse, and at the foot of a limestone cliff on which stand the Papal Palace and the Cathedral. South of Avignon its tributary the Durance flows into

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the Rhône. Avignon is much favored by tourists for its art treasures and because it is an excellent setting-out point for excursions into Provence.

After the Popes had employed Italian masters, especially the Siennese Simone Martini who died here in 1344, an important school of painting flourished in Avignon right until the 18th century.

Tourist Attractions in Avignon

Avignon - Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction
In the northern part of Rue de la République in Villeneuve-lèz-Avignon can be found the former Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction (Carthusian monastery), which was founded in 1356 by Pope Innocent VI and soon became larger than its mother priory, the Grande Chartreuse at Isère. In the church - the choir of which is in ruins, thus giving a clear view of the fort - can be found the tomb of Innocent VI, in the first bay on the right; dating from 1362, it was preserved thanks to the efforts of Prosper Mérimée in 1834.

To the north of the monastic church lies the Petit Cloître (Little Cloister) and the elongated Cloître du Cimetière, measuring 20m/66ft by 80m/263ft, adjoining which were the monks' cells.

Avignon - Musée Lapidaire
The Musée Lapidaire (lapidarium) in Avignon can be found at rue de la République 27, in the Baroque former Jesuit Church, joined by a bridge to the Jesuit college - now a secondary school - which was founded in 1564. The exhibits include Roman mosaics, fragments of the former triumphal arch, reliefs and ancient sculptures.

Avignon - Pont St Bénézet
The bridge to St Béneezet (Provençal for Benedict) in Avignon is well-known because of the following legend attributed to it: it is said that in the year 1177 the shepherd Bénézet was instructed by the angels to build a bridge over the Rhône. The town fathers and citizens both mocked the idea, but he was given the strength to raise a giant lump of rock, which they then recognized as being a sign from God, further evidenced by the fact that the bridge was built in only eight years.

Avignon Town Walls
The whole of the Old Town of Avignon is surrounded by a complete ring of walls, constructed by Pope Innocent VI between 1355-68. At irregular intervals eight gates and 39 towers were incorporated into the wall, the total length of which is 4.8km/3mi. Some detailed restoration work was carried out in the 19th C.

At little way to the north the town wall is pierced by the Porte du Rocher, a gateway leading to the Pont St-Bénézet.