Eglise Saint Didier (St. Didier Church), Avignon
The Saint Didier Church in Avignon is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture from the mid-14th century. Designated as a historic monument on July 27, 1983, this former collegiate church is situated in the heart of the city, on the site of an earlier church traditionally believed to have been founded in the 7th century by Agricol d'Avignon. The earliest recorded mention of the church dates back to 1008, in a document where Bishop Rostaing of Avignon donated Saint-Didier and its surrounding land to the Abbey of Montmajour.
The construction of the church was influenced by the Avignon papacy and initiated by Cardinal Bertrand de Deaux, whose will directed the building of a church on his estate. Led by master mason Jaume Alasaud, known for his work on the Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes), the church was completed in just over three years and consecrated on September 20, 1359. Saint Didier stands today as a prime example of Avignon Gothic architecture.
The church houses significant artworks, including two paintings by Simon de Châlons: "The Flagellation" and "The Descent of the Holy Spirit." It also features a Renaissance bas-relief, "The Carrying of the Cross," commissioned in 1478 by King René and crafted by Francesco Laurana. Originally intended for the high altar of the Church of the Celestines in Avignon, this work now adorns the first right chapel of Saint Didier and is considered one of the earliest examples of Renaissance art in France.
The construction of the church was influenced by the Avignon papacy and initiated by Cardinal Bertrand de Deaux, whose will directed the building of a church on his estate. Led by master mason Jaume Alasaud, known for his work on the Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes), the church was completed in just over three years and consecrated on September 20, 1359. Saint Didier stands today as a prime example of Avignon Gothic architecture.
The church houses significant artworks, including two paintings by Simon de Châlons: "The Flagellation" and "The Descent of the Holy Spirit." It also features a Renaissance bas-relief, "The Carrying of the Cross," commissioned in 1478 by King René and crafted by Francesco Laurana. Originally intended for the high altar of the Church of the Celestines in Avignon, this work now adorns the first right chapel of Saint Didier and is considered one of the earliest examples of Renaissance art in France.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Avignon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Eglise Saint Didier (St. Didier Church) on Map
Sight Name: Eglise Saint Didier (St. Didier Church)
Sight Location: Avignon, France (See walking tours in Avignon)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Avignon, France (See walking tours in Avignon)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Avignon, France
Create Your Own Walk in Avignon
Creating your own self-guided walk in Avignon is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Avignon's Architectural Jewels
Centuries of history in Avignon are well seen in the stones of some of France’s best preserved architectural monuments. The city's architecture may well not be as diverse as elsewhere in the country, but it is really difficult to find another place whose history is just as complicated and dynamic as Avignon's.
Being one of only two cities on earth that can claim to be the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Being one of only two cities on earth that can claim to be the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Avignon Introduction Walking Tour
The thing about a wall around a city is to keep unwanted visitors out. But the massive walls encircling Avignon tend to keep visitors in. And the visitors don't mind it. Is this a mystery? Not when one considers what is inside the walls of Avignon. And forget driving. Park the car and walk.
First encounter is the Popes' Palace. This awesome mountain of a palace was built in the 1300s.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
First encounter is the Popes' Palace. This awesome mountain of a palace was built in the 1300s.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles