Palace of the Popes

Palais des Popes was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The construction of this important Gothic style building bagun in the 1250s to serve as a papal residence. The Palace is located on a rock overlooking Avignon and the River Rhone.

Over the centuries and with often changes in political government, the Palace was ransacked several times, damaged and restored. Popes didn´t live here all the time since they were between Rome and Avignon. 

Finally, Napoleon managed to take over the Palace completely. It is clear that the Palace had a turbulent history which combined with  its magnificent design makes it one of the most visited monuments in France.