Palais des Papes

Palais des Papes
View from the Tour Philippe-le-Bel
LocationAvignon, France
Coordinates43°57′03″N 4°48′27″E / 43.9508°N 4.8075°E / 43.9508; 4.8075
Architectural style(s)Gothic
Official nameHistoric Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge
TypeCultural
Criteriai, ii, iv
Designated1995 (19th session)
Reference no.228
UNESCO regionEurope and North America

The Palais des Papes (English: Palace of the Popes; lo Palais dei Papas in Occitan) in Avignon, Southern France, is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe.[1] Once a fortress and palace, the papal residence was a seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century. Six papal conclaves were held in the Palais, leading to the elections of Benedict XII in 1334, Clement VI in 1342, Innocent VI in 1352, Urban V in 1362, Gregory XI in 1370 and Benedict XIII in 1394. In 1995, the Palais des Papes was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding architecture and historical importance for the papacy.[2]

  1. ^ "Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  2. ^ "Centre historique d'Avignon: Palais des papes, ensemble épiscopal et Pont d'Avignon" [Historic Centre of Avignon: Palais des papes together with the Pont d'Avignon] (in French). UNESCO World Heritage Centre. 6 May 2009. Retrieved 10 June 2011.