Seventeenth-century Avignon: Altera Roma and papal rule

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

In the seventeenth century, Avignon cultivated its image as “another Rome”. Religious life, manufacturing and trade developed in a papal enclave closely connected with neighbouring France.

Catholic renewal and the Baroque

Catholic renewal shaped the town. Numerous religious communities settled there, while churches, colleges and residences adopted Baroque forms. The Latin name “Altera Roma” expressed this papal identity.

Hôtel des Monnaies façade, Avignon © Vincent Flachaire

Manufacturing and trade

Avignon and the Comtat remained papal territories surrounded by France. Silk, printing, playing cards and tobacco contributed to their economy. Differences in regulations and taxation also encouraged smuggling, creating tensions with French authorities.

French relations and papal government

Relations with the monarchy helped determine trading conditions. Conflicts between Louis XIV and the Holy See brought temporary French occupations, notably in 1663–1664. These interventions did not amount to permanent union with France.

Medal of Louis XIV in Avignon, obverse

Vice-legates administered papal government locally, while legates generally resided in Rome. Tax disputes, rivalries and local opposition caused unrest. Political life nevertheless cannot be reduced to a simple confrontation between a French population and Italian officials.

Jesuit college façade, Avignon © Vincent Flachaire

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