Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
10. GREAT AUDIENCE HALL
This was the meeting place of the Court of Apostolic causes, the popes' forbidding ju-
diciary against which no appeal was allowed. The hall's vaulted ceiling bears a small
remaining section of the Prophet's Fresco - unfortunately much of the fresco was
hacked off and sold by soldiers during the palace's time as a barracks in the 19th cen-
tury.
View photo
Papal Avignon
The arrival of the papacy in Avignon brought great wealth and prestige to the
town. When Pope Gregory XI took the papacy back to Rome in 1377 the French
cardinals did not approve. On his death, they elected a French pope, while Italy
elected an Italian one, putting the Christian world in schism. The row was re-
solved in 1417 and Avignon popes after Gregory XI have been considered anti-
popes.
Tip:
Arrive early - the palace receives up to 4,000 visitors a day in summer.
Tip:
The palace's excellent hand-held audio-guides are available in 11 lan-
guages (€2).
Tip:
Ask for the Avignon Passion when buying your first ticket to any Avign-
on sight - it entitles you to discounts of 20-50 per cent on entrance to other
sites.
Back to intro
Chapter contents
