Precious Stones

Avignon owes its international fame to its outstanding buildings, such as the Palace of the Popes, the ramparts, and the Pont d’Avignon, part of children’s lore the world over.

The magnificent palace, built in the 1300’s, was the symbol of the western Christian world. Yet it is but one of nearly 150 buildings which are on the historical register. Convents, churches, chapels, palaces, noble mansions and homes form a complex but cohesive fabric of architecture from many eras. The warm stone with which they are built is the unifying factor.

Approaching Avignon from the right bank of the Rhone, the eye takes in a majestic ensemble which, the Palace of the Popes, and a lovely late 17th century mansion.
Saint-Pierre Square and Pignotte Square are two further examples of splendid urban compositions.

The monuments, beautiful reflections of the past, are also actively involved in the present, for Avignon has chosen to protect, restore, and use its heritage.

Examples include the Municipal library in a former cardinal palace, the International Congress Centre in part of the Palace of the Popes, the School of Fine Arts in a classic city mansion, University in Sainte-Marthe Hospital.

Information

Unesco
7 place Fontenoy – 75017 Paris – T. + 33 (0)1 45 68 10 00

DRAC
23 boulevard du Roi René – 13617 Aix-en Provence cedex - T. + 33 (0)4 42 27 98 40

Service départemental de l’architecture et du Patrimoine
T. + 33 (0)4 90 82 65 83

Conservation du Patrimoine historique d’Avignon (immobilier)
T. + 33 (0)4 90 80 80 60

Patrimoine historique et culturel d’Avignon (mobilier)
T. 04 90 80 81 78