Fourteenth-century Avignon: palace, papal court and walls

History of Avignon Prehistory Before Rome Gallo-Roman Avignon Late antiquity Early Middle Ages The medieval commune The papal move The papal court Western Schism Legates Wars of Religion Altera Roma Eighteenth century Union with France Napoleon Nineteenth century Twentieth century Early twenty-first century

The papal court profoundly transformed Avignon during the fourteenth century. The palace, cardinals’ residences and walls still reflect a period of growth as well as crisis.

The papal court and European powers

The Avignon papacy intervened in major conflicts across Christendom: relations between France and England, imperial rivalries, Italian politics and plans for crusades. The popes also had to govern their territories and address religious debates within the Church.

Clement V holds a consistory

The palace and cardinals’ residences

Benedict XII began building the Palace of the Popes in 1335. Clement VI continued and enlarged the project. Cardinals established their own residences, known as livrées cardinalices. Churches, monasteries and urban districts developed. In 1348, Clement VI bought Avignon from Joanna, queen of Naples and countess of Provence.

The Palace of the Popes in Avignon © Vincent Flachaire

Plague, mercenary companies and fortifications

Plague reached Avignon in 1348 and caused many deaths. Further epidemics followed, including in 1361. These health crises and supply difficulties affected the population of the town and surrounding area.

The Grandes Compagnies, groups of soldiers and mercenaries, plundered the region and demanded payments. Under Innocent VI, work on new walls began in 1355. Negotiation and payments to armed groups complemented the town’s defences.

Avignon’s walls © Vincent Flachaire

The popes’ return to Rome

Urban V returned to Rome in 1367, then came back to Avignon in 1370. Gregory XI left the town in September 1376 and reached Rome in January 1377. His death in March 1378 preceded the outbreak of the Western Schism.

Urban V leaves for Rome

Further reading: Benedict XII, Pope in Avignon (1334–1342) · Clement VI, Pope in Avignon (1342–1352) · Innocent VI, Pope in Avignon (1352–1362) · Urban V, Pope in Avignon (1362–1370) · Gregory XI, Pope in Avignon (1370–1378).

History of Avignon Prehistory Before Rome Gallo-Roman Avignon Late antiquity Early Middle Ages The medieval commune The papal move The papal court Western Schism Legates Wars of Religion Altera Roma Eighteenth century Union with France Napoleon Nineteenth century Twentieth century Early twenty-first century