Palais des Papes
| Palais des Papes | |
|---|---|
View from the Tour Philippe-le-Bel | |
| Location | Avignon, France |
| Coordinates | 43°57′03″N 4°48′27″E / 43.9508°N 4.8075°E |
| Architectural style(s) | Gothic |
| Official name | Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | i, ii, iv |
| Designated | 1995 (19th session) |
| Reference no. | 228 |
| UNESCO region | Europe and North America |
The Palais des Papes (English: Palace of the Popes; lo Palais dei Papas in Occitan) in Avignon, Southern France, is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Once a fortress and palace, the papal residence was a seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century. Six papal conclaves were held in the Palais, leading to the elections of Benedict XII in 1334, Clement VI in 1342, Innocent VI in 1352, Urban V in 1362, Gregory XI in 1370 and Benedict XIII in 1394. In 1995, the Palais des Papes was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding architecture and historical importance for the papacy.