Avignon

Well known for its Palace of the Popes and the broken bridge Modern Avignon thrives behind its great medieval walls. With the growing student population and designer shops. The papal palace dominates the old town.

Between 1309 and 1377, during the Avignon Papacy, 07 successive popes took residence in Avignon, and in 1348 Pope Clement VI bought the town from Joanna I of Naples. Papal rule lasted until 1791 when, during the French Revolution, it became part of France.

In the 14th Century, the Church ruled the town and made it Europe’s biggest construction territory. It built its 10-foot-thick walls symbolising its power, made mansions for cardinals, residences for the whole Vatican bureaucracy, large public squares, and the pope’s towering palace.

After more than half a century of rule, the pope decided to move the papacy back to Rome. But Avignon had other plans, they made its own rival pope, and for about 40 years there were two popes in two cities in Europe — one in Rome and one in Avignon.

Finally, in 1417, a Church-wide council declared the Roman pope, Avignon dropped its claim and ended the separation.

St. Bénezet Bridge (“Pont d’Avignon”)

Saint-Bénézet, also known as the Pont d’Avignon, is a famous medieval bridge in the town of Avignon. Built between 1171 and 1185,  it was strategic — one of only three bridges crossing the great Rhône in the Middle Ages, important to pilgrims, merchants, and armies. Pont Saint-Benezet is perhaps famous as the subject of a children’s rhyme, “Sur le Pont D’Avignon” The bridge, which was built during the 12th century, is fallen into ruins.  While the Bridge was destroyed during the siege of Louis VIII of France for almost 40 years, it was rebuilt in 1234. In 1669, floods swept away more of the structure for the last time, four arches and the gatehouse at the Avignon end of the bridge have survived as seen here with the photo.