The Popes' Palace
The skyline of Avignon is a magnificent urban landscape. Overlooking the city and the Rhone river, the Rocher des Doms presents an exceptional set of monuments including the Saint Bénezet Bridge, (the famous "Pont d'Avignon"), the Ramparts, the Petit Palais, the Cathedral and the impressive walls of the Popes’ Palace flanked by four mighty towers. This architectural group has been ranked by UNESCO as "world heritage for humanity".
The Palace of the Popes stands as the mighty symbol of the church’s influence throughout the western Christian world in the 14th century. Construction was started in 1335 and completed in less than twenty years under the leadership of two builder popes, Benedict XII and his successor Clement VI. The Popes’ Palace is the biggest Gothic palace in all of Europe (15,000 m2 of floor space, which is the equivalent of 4 Gothic cathedrals).
Popes' Palace Website
The International Conference Center
The International Congress Center was created in 1976 within the outstanding premises of the Palace of the Popes and hosts many events throughout the entire year. The Congress Center, designed for conventions, seminars, and meetings for 10 to 550 persons, now occupies two wings of the Popes' Palace.Congress Center Website
