This magnificent building was built for Pope Benedict III in 1335 as a residence and a 'grand project'. It's the largest Gothic palace in the world (at 15,000 square metres) and is in the top ten most visited monuments in France (over 650,000 visitors per year).
During the first twenty years of construction, the 'Tower of Angels' and the Great Chapel were built along with a cloister and two stout towers for defence purposes.
Pope Clement VI added more towers, the Great Audience Hall and the Honour Courtyard ten years later. The palace is full of frescoes, hidden staircases, terraces, apartments and chapels.
The Palais des Papes hosts many cultural events throughout the year.
