At the magnificant UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Palais des Papes in Avignon, the largest Gothic palace in Europe. The papacy was resident in Avignon from 1309 to 1376 due to a conflict between the papacy and the French crown. Following the death of Pope Benedict XI, Philip IV of France forced a deadlocked conclave to elect the French Clement V as pope, but Clement refused to move to Rome, instead setting up his court in Avignon where it remained for the next 67 years.

Palais des Papes

Of particular interest to me were the frescoes that decorate the walls of the chapels and private apartments in the Palais. Matteo Giovannetti, born in Viterbo, Italy, c.1322, was responsible for the decoration of both the Saint-Jean Chapel and the Saint-Martial chapel (the latter now unfortunately closed because of its precarious state) as well as the Grand Tinel, a huge 48 metre-long feast room.

Matteo Giovannetti ‘Saint John Chapel frescoes’ (1347 – 48)

Chambre du cerf

Frescoes by Simone Martini, originally painted in 1340 for Notre-Dame-des-Doms Cathedral, are also displayed in the Consistory Hall of the Palais.

Simone Martini frescoes, Consistory Hall, Palais des Papes

Reproductions of prominent figures during the papal rule, North Sacristy