The Ancient City of Avignon: Historical Tour ProvencePt 8
Edging the square are many outdoor restaurants and bars with brasserie tables and market umbrellas everywhere. There is the 19th century town hall, the House of Jean Villar*, the Palais des Papes (palace of the Popes) and Cathedral of Notre Dam des Doms. built in the 12th century. The cathedral was destroyed and rebuilt many times. It was crowned with the shimmering gold statue of the Virgin Mary in 1859. Two Popes are buried there.
In the 14th century in Avignon pope Clement V moved to Avignon, which became the new headquarters of the Catholic Church. This lasted for just less than 100 years. In 1376 Gregory X returned to Rome. France then elected it's own pope hoping to keep the distinction of being the centre of Catholicism, as well as the wealth and power that went with it. This plan was soon abandoned and Rome again became the sole centre for the religion.
The Pope's Palace is an imposing place. It was once furnished with colorful frescos, tapestries and sumptuous furnishings. It is now empty and a bit foridable, without the lavish accoutrements. However, some of the frescos and painted wood ceilings remain. They are excellent and worth seeing. The palace also houses a museum and exhibition hall.
Nearby is the famous 12th century Pont d' Avignon, of nursery rhyme fame. children around the world sing about this unfortunate bridge. The official name is Pont-St-Benezet but the more popular name has also stuck.
The bridge is made up of a series of stone arches that juts out into the river Rhone, then ends abruptly midstream. It is believed that poor maintenance and the meandering ways of the river caused the destruction of the missing arches.
Pont d'Avignon Children's song: click here
We have lunch in one of the outdoor, cafes then head towards the Palace of the Popes. We stop on our way to see a few of the street performers do their thing. A man in red plaid does an interesting a balancing and juggling act with canes.
A little further on there is a mime, painted totally white, standing on a white pedestal. She is immobile, looking exactly like a statue. We laugh, as small children cautiously approach not knowing what to make of her. She is good!
Avignon is also known for its world famous Festival d'Avignon, started in 1947 by Jean Villar, a famous writer and Playwright. It
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