May 2 Avignon and Visit to Palace of the Popes

Avignon Cathedral.

There was another excursion today - after reaching Marseilles overnight, about half of us went to Avignon and the Palace of the Popes. We got an early start and arrived at Avignon before 10:00. We were very fortunate to have another beautiful sunny and warm day. 

Pont Saint-Benezet.  

We initially made a brief stop at the Pont Saint-Benezet (or Pont D'Avignon), a famous medieval bridge built in the 12th century. It originally had 22 arches, but only 4 remain. 

Avignon Cathedral

Gilded Statue of Mary on top of
Avignon Cathedral.  

As we walked to the Palace of the Popes, we passed by the Avignon Cathedral (also called the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Doms). This cathedral is of Romanesque design built in the 12th century. Unfortunately we weren't able to see the inside  of this Cathedral.

Palace of the Popes

Our Group Waiting to Enter the Palace of the Popes. 

The Palace of  Popes is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe.  It was the seat of Western Christianity, beginning in the the year 1309. A total of 7 popes (and 2 antipopes) resided  in Avignon before the Papacy moved back to Rome in the year 1370, due in no small measure to the efforts and prodding of St. Catherine of Sienna. 

Detail Over One of the Gates.

There is no question that the Palace is extremely impressive both from an historical and architectural perspective. It was also quite meaningful to know we were moving in the same rooms that the popes lived, prayed, ate and had their conclaves. 

Courtyard

On the other hand, it was somewhat of a disappointment to many of our group because the building is quite sterile and stark inside. It is so unfortunate that the Palace was sacked and damaged during the French revolution, and was subsequently used as a prison and then a military garrison.

The Grand Chapel Where Popes Worshipped

Banquet Hall

Frescoes in St. Martial Chapel Undergoing Restoration
(Picture from Palace of the Popes Website)

Inside the St. John Chapel. 

Almost all of the religious items and most of the beautiful frescoes and tempera paintings were either destroyed or removed. One of the exceptions is St. John's Chapel, which was quite beautiful inside. Also, the frescoes in the St. Martial Chapel are also impressive (see picture from the Palace of the Popes website), although it is currently undergoing restoration and we weren't able to enter the Chapel. 

Gayle Rappold, Jim and Jan Brady, and Leslie and Dan Paulonis.

After completing our tour, we had some free time to explore the area. A number of us enjoyed an excellent lunch at L'Opera Cafe. Many of our group stopped in the nearby shops to purchase some items made from lavender, a very important crop in this area.  

Marilyn and Phil Andreski, and Marilyn and Marty Bunker.

Lovely Carousel in the Large and Busy Pedestrian Area
in front of the Palace.

Lovely View of the Avignon Countryside. 

After lunch, Les and I walked up to the nice gardens next to and above the Cathedral. In addition to play areas for children there was an excellent viewpoint where you can look over the surrounding countryside and also see the 14th century Fort Andre. 

14th Century Fort Andre

It was now time to head back to the bus to get back to the ship in time. Shortly after boarding the ship, it was time for Mass at 5:30. What an amazing surprise we had in store for us there. Word had apparently gotten out about our 5:30 mass and today we had over 70 guests join us - the house was packed! How wonderful.  

After our time for reflection on the day, it was time for dinner and then free time to attend a show or just relax on the ship.