Avignon (Avignon) is a city in southeastern France, belonging to the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The city is located on the left bank of the Rhone River. Historians say that the name of the town was first mentioned around the 6th century BC. There are several versions of the meaning of its name - "town of the strong wind", "lord of the river" or swamp. Avignon records its apogee between 1309 and 1377, when it was the seat of the Catholic popes, as it was one of the great Catholic ecclesiastical centres.

Avignon is a city that can offer tourists arriving here both a rich historical past and a modern prosperous urban atmosphere. Architecturally, the buildings in the papal city of Avignon are divided into two parts, separated by a beautiful and spacious courtyard. On one side, the buildings are more ornate and lavishly decorated, indicative of the lavish manner of Pope Clement VI. On the other side of the courtyard, all the buildings exude austerity, their facades being simple.

Undoubtedly the jewel in Avignon's crown is the Papal Palace, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. It is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. The Papal Palace in Rouen is emblematic of the most progressive period in Avignon's history.

Not far from the Avignon Palace is the Romanesque cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-Dôme, which was reconstructed in the 15th century. It also houses the mausoleum of Pope John XXII, which is of truly precise and exquisite workmanship. At a place in Avignon called the Petit Palais, one can see the exquisite work of art, Botticelli's Virgin and Child.

Of the smaller churches, the church of St Pierre is a must-see, with its beautiful façade and carved doors. For museum lovers, Avignon offers great variety.

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Rating 5 from 1 voted Avignon, France