HIST 223 Medieval Europe: History Illuminated: The Papal Palace in Avignon

During the 14^th century Avignon was the center of the papacy. The Palais des Papes, or the Popes Palace was grim looking palace that was decorated by Simone Martini and Matteo Givanetti. The palace was a great illustration of gothic architecture that helped establish a leading role of Avignon in Western Christian influence.

4 Angles inside Saint-Martial Chapel

The construction of the Palace started in 1335 and was completed roughly twenty years later, passing through the reign of John XXII, Benedict XII, and Clement VI. The pope’s palace is the largest gothic palace in Europe and has the equivalent square footage of four gothic cathedrals.

Construction of the Palace was started during the Reign of Benedict XII. Benedict chose the architect Pierre Poisson to oversee the project. The foundation of the place is anchored on bedrock and resembles the layout of Pope John XXII’s early palace. The walls of the tower rose well over the city and was placed in the center of the apartments to protect the pope. During Benedict’s papacy the palace was richly decorated with furnishings, wall hangings and mural paintings.

Saint Jean Chapel

Clement VI completed a new tower at the beginning of his papacy. This tower included Kitchen and a wardrobe to be attach to the Papal tower. Clement assigned architect Jean de loures to the project, who had demolished neighborhoods in order to complete the construction. During the project Gothic architecture began to be mixed into the palace. The work invited of painters like Matteo Giovannetti to help decorate the Palace. Most the buildings were completed by the death of Clement, though there were further developments after his death when Pope Innocent built more towers and a gallery, and Pope Urban V added a garden. The Palace became the residence of the Legates after the Great schism, and they stayed there until the French Revolution when it became barracks.