Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), Avignon (must see)

The Palace of the Popes is one of, if not the, largest medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. With its massive stone walls, fortified towers, and grand halls, it looks as much like a fortress as a palace. And, indeed, that's exactly what it was designed to be. During the 14th century, when the papacy was based in Avignon rather than Rome, the palace served as both the papal residence and the administrative center of the Catholic Church.

What you see today is actually two palaces joined together. The older section, known as the Old Palace, was built between 1335 and 1342 under Pope Benedict XII on the rocky heights of the Rocher des Doms. His successor, Clement VI, who became pope in 1342, had rather grander ambitions. Known for his extravagant tastes, he commissioned the New Palace, turning the complex into an even more impressive residence.

Two leading architects of the time, Pierre Poisson and Jean de Louvres, oversaw the construction. The interiors were decorated by accomplished artists, including Matteo Giovannetti, whose remarkable frescoes can still be admired today.

The palace was much more than just a papal residence. It was also a busy administrative center, with officials, clergy, servants, and scholars working within its walls. Its library, containing more than 2,000 volumes, was particularly important at a time when books were rare and expensive.

As you explore the building, you'll get a sense of its enormous scale. Covering more than 15,000 square meters, the complex includes imposing towers, ceremonial halls, private apartments, chapels, and courtyards. One particularly interesting space is the Deer Room, part of Clement VI's private apartments. Its beautifully preserved frescoes depict hunting scenes, animals, and woodland landscapes, offering a different perspective on medieval life from the religious paintings elsewhere in the palace.

After the papacy returned to Rome, the palace gradually lost its original importance. Over the centuries, it served various purposes, including as military barracks. Today, it's one of Avignon's principal historical attractions and part of the city's UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center.

The palace also hosts cultural events and art exhibitions. Even if you don't explore every room, its enormous halls, surviving frescoes, and fortified architecture give you a good idea of just how influential Avignon once was.