Avignon. Descriptions & Excursions.

Avignon in the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is located on the left bank of the river Rhône, 90 km from Marseilles and 250 km from Nice. It has got a population of 93 thousand inhabitants. Between 1309 and 1377, during the Avignon Papacy, seven successive popes resided in Avignon. The historic centre, which includes the Palais des Papes, the cathedral and the Pont d'Avignon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval monuments and the annual Festival d'Avignon have helped to make the town a major centre for tourism.

Palais des Papes

In 1309, the Papal Court settled in Avignon. The papal palace was under construction for almost 30 years, during the reign of three popes, Benedict XII, Clement VI and Innocent VII. Reception of Benedict XII (1334-42), In view of the impossibility of a quick return to Rome, the construction of the complex of the papal palace for the Roman curia and its institution was begun, which was completed under Pope Innocent VI (1352-62). In 1348 Pope Clement VI bought the town from Joanna I of Naples. Papal control persisted until 1791 when, during the French Revolution, it became part of France.

The Papal Palace is still one of the main feudal castles in Europe. The Gothic papal residence has two courtyards, one of which serves as a stage during the Avignon Festival. Tall walls, thinned out in some places by small, narrow windows, powerful pointed arches that give the building a certain rhythm, wide loopholes. The architects who guarded the construction were French, the artists who were decorating the castle were all Italians.

Pont d'Avignon

The famous Pont d'Avignon bridge, the 13th century Avignon bridge (only four arches have been restored), was thrown over both arms of the Rhone and led to Villeneuve-les-Avignon, where many cardinals were residences.

Theater Festival in Avignon

In the middle of summer, Avignon turns into the theatrical capital of the world. The most famous and prestigious theater festival is held here from 5 to 27 July. In 1947, the French actor and director Jean Vilar came up with the idea to return to the stage the art of speech and the skill of acting that had been lost, in his opinion. Vilar left the bustling Paris and went to the provinces, to Provence, "to revive the French theater."

In July, Avignon turns into one huge stage. It's like a carnival: the narrow streets are flooded with musicians and dancers, mimes, clowns and magicians; actors, in costumes and make-up, arrange impromptu performances, inviting them to their performances, which take place almost everywhere, for example, in a church or monastery. The main stage of the Avignon Theater Festival is located in the Court of Honor of the Palais des Papes.

More informations You can see at the official site of Avignon Tourism.