We went with Hanna, Patrick and Michael to Avignon to see the papal palace, and the famous pont d'Avignon. In 1309 the residence`s of the popes moved from Rome to Avignon, due to civil unrest in Rome at the time. This made Avignon in France the religious equivalent of the Vatican City in Rome for the next 70 years or so. To ensure stability of the city the papacy actually purchased the entire town of Avignon. Over the period 9 Popes reigned in Avignon... more on that particular number later on.
When you emerge from the underground parking lot you see the Cathedral of Notre Dames des Doms, a 12th century romanesque building, and the seat of the Archbishop of Avignon.
First view of the Palais des Papes. When times are rough, build your walls thick and your towers high. The walls of the palace are 3m thick, note the arrow slits in the towers.
These two buildings are quite close together and provide an interesting contrast. Guilded statue of the Virgin Mary, and the defensive battlements beside.
Nice detail of the two main turrets near the main entrance.
Christine and Patrick inside holding their audio-guides and looking at the fine decorations.
The inner court-yard
This room was used as the main dining-room for the palace, the thing is huge, at least 10m x 50m and the arched ceiling used to be covered in a dark blue cloth, with stars on it - giving the feeling of eating outdoors under the heavens.
The grand chapel, akin to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Where you have the Popes you must have the Swiss guard. This is an early version of their uniform, for a current version, see our post on Rome - part 3
Up on the roof level, where you can see the outer walls, and the inner courtyard.
Sarah being an archer, Rachel being ...not interested.
This is an archway on the main door leading into the grand chapel. If you click on the picture to view it enlarged, you will see that the every saint that has been carved on the archways is missing their head. This was something that happened during the time of the French revolution, when lots of heads went missing.
Underneath the grand chapel
During lunch we see a cool clock tower. The figures visible inside the front arch are holding hammers, and rotate to strike the bell.
Pont d'Avignon.
Sur le pont d'Avignon, no we did not danse - but we did pose.
Sarah and Christine crossing the bridge. The structure behind them is part of the bridge and is a two story chapel.
OK, as promised, more on the number 9 -- remember 9 popes right...now French brain 9 Pape,
neuf Pape ...and put them in a house, and what do you get
Chateau neuf du pape... the house of the 9 Popes, and a very fine wine. These are some of the vineyards that produce grapes for Chateauneuf de Pape, the vines are planted in very rocky soil, and the large rocks near the base of the vines store heat during the day, and release it during the night providing a micro climate that characterizes the regions wines.
Yes, we bought.
Cheese of the Month - this one yet another goat`s milk cheese. This one is St. Pouligny St. Pierre. a semi-firm pyramid shaped cheese from central France.
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