Entrance to the Palais des Papes
The Palais des Papes is arguably Avignon’s most important monument. I was aware of the presence of this structure in Avignon but I was thinking of visiting the surrounding area first before exploring Avignon itself. That way, I would be able to have some time for relaxing instead of running around from place to place. The first major site in Avignon I would visit would be the most important one. The Palais des Papes is a literal palace built for and by the pope. Pope should be in the plural from since there were several popes that made Avignon their place of residence.
Doors Inside the Palais des Papes
Back then the popes behaved not that differently from kings and wielded power like them too. The Palais des Papes is one of the manifestations of these power. The Palais des Papes is a massive and imposing structure. It is actually pretty far cry from the supposed servant of God image which popes have nowadays. I guess a lot has happened in these centuries. The Palais des Papes was the residence of seven popes all in the span of sixty seven years. This is a remarkably short time for seven popes. Perhaps I was spoiled by the unusually long reign of Pope John Paul II whose papacy lasted for twenty seven years.
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