Avignon history

Foundation and Antiquity

The history of Avignon began long before the Common Era. The first settlements appeared on a strategically important elevation — the rocky cliff of Rocher des Doms. This location served as a natural shelter from river floods and a convenient observation point. Initially, the Celtic-Ligurian tribe of the Cavares settled here, making the settlement their capital.

With the arrival of the Romans, the city received the name Avenio. Thanks to its location, it quickly integrated into the structure of Gallia Narbonensis, becoming an important administrative and trading point of the Roman Empire.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Avignon was determined by a unique combination of natural and man-made factors:

• The Rhône River: The city grew on the banks of one of Europe's main waterways. The Rhône connected the Mediterranean with northern regions, ensuring a constant flow of goods and travellers.
• Geographical Protection: The high rocky bank protected residents not only from military threats but also from seasonal floods that often inundated the neighbouring plains.
• The Legendary Bridge: The construction of the Saint-Bénézet bridge in the 12th century made Avignon the only crossing point over the Rhône for many kilometres, which brought the city colossal revenues from tolls and trade.

Early Culture and Economy

The city's economic foundation was built for centuries on river trade in salt, grain, and timber. Additionally, as early as ancient times, viticulture began to develop in the surrounding areas, which would later become a hallmark of the region.

Culturally, Avignon has always been a crossroads of civilisations. However, its true flourishing and transformation into an architectural gem began in the 14th century, when the city became the residence of the Popes. This period forever changed the appearance of Avignon, filling it with majestic Gothic palaces and temples.

Major Milestones in Avignon's History

• 1st century BC — The city receives the status of a Roman colony under the name Avenio and becomes a prosperous centre of Gallia Narbonensis.
• 1177–1185 — According to legend, construction begins on the famous Saint-Bénézet bridge across the Rhône, which becomes the region's most important crossing for many years.
• 1226 — King Louis VIII besieges the city during the Albigensian Crusade, strengthening French influence in the region.
• 1309 — Pope Clement V moves the papal residence to Avignon, beginning a nearly 70-year period known as the "Avignon Papacy".
• 1335 — Under Benedict XII, massive construction of the Old Palace begins, becoming the foundation of the grand Palais des Papes.
• 1348 — Pope Clement VI purchases the city from Queen Joanna I of Naples, officially securing Avignon as the property of the Holy See.
• 1355 — To protect against mercenaries and bandits, the construction of new defensive walls begins, which have been beautifully preserved to this day.
• 1377 — Pope Gregory XI returns the papal throne to Rome, yet Avignon continues to remain the residence of antipopes during the Western Schism.
• 1791 — Following a vote by the National Constituent Assembly, Avignon and the Comtat Venaissin officially join France, ending centuries of papal rule.
• 1849 — The arrival of the railway and the opening of a station on the Paris–Marseille line gives a powerful boost to the city's economic development.
• 1947 — Jean Vilar organises the "Week of Dramatic Art", which grows into the famous annual Avignon Theatre Festival.
• 1995 — The historic centre of Avignon, including the Palais des Papes and the Saint-Bénézet bridge, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
• 2000 — The city receives the status of European Capital of Culture, confirming its role as one of the continent's main art centres.

Stages of Urban and Cultural Development

The evolution of Avignon is the story of a strategic river port transforming into a world cultural capital. Each era left its mark on the city's architecture and economy, shaping its modern appearance.

• Construction of the Saint-Bénézet Bridge (12th Century)
  The erection of a stone bridge across the turbulent Rhône River became an economic catalyst for the city. Avignon turned into a key transport hub between Italy, Spain, and France. Control over the crossing ensured an influx of merchants and significant tax revenues, allowing the city to develop as a trade centre long before the arrival of the popes.
• Establishment of the Papal Residence (14th Century)
  The move of Clement V and subsequent pontiffs caused an unprecedented construction boom. A small episcopal town transformed into the capital of the Christian world. The construction of the monumental Palais des Papes and cardinal residences (livrées) completely changed the urban fabric, introducing a Gothic style and scale uncharacteristic of regional cities at that time.
• Erection of Defensive Walls (14th Century)
  The construction of a 4.3-kilometre ring of fortifications under Popes Innocent VI and Urban V not only protected the city from mercenaries but also fixed the boundaries of the historic centre for centuries ahead. Today, these walls remain one of the rare examples of fully preserved medieval fortifications, defining Avignon's urban structure.
• Railway Revolution (19th Century)
  Connecting Avignon to the Paris–Lyon–Marseille (PLM) railway network brought the city out of economic stagnation after losing its status as a papal possession. This stimulated the development of suburbs outside the fortress walls and turned the city into a logistics centre for shipping Provençal fruits and vegetables to the north of the country.
• Founding of the Theatre Festival (1947)
  Jean Vilar's initiative became a turning point in the city's modern history. The festival repurposed historical monuments (primarily the Cour d'Honneur of the Palais des Papes) into performance venues. This event attracts hundreds of thousands of guests annually, making tourism and culture the foundation of Avignon's modern economy.
• Launch of the TGV Line (2001)
  The opening of the station for high-speed TGV Méditerranée trains reduced travel time to Paris to 2 hours and 40 minutes. This led to the creation of the new business district Avignon Courtine and triggered a rise in property prices, turning the city into an attractive place to live for those who work in the capital but prefer the southern climate.

Architectural Chronicle of Avignon

The urban structure of Avignon is unique in its duality: it is a medieval fortress within which the life of a modern city pulses. The city's development proceeded from the Rocher des Doms rock, but its boundaries were fixed for centuries by the 14th-century defensive walls. Inside this ring, narrow winding streets of the Middle Ages intertwine with wide straight avenues of the 19th century.

The Papal Era: Triumph of Gothic (14th Century)

The most powerful imprint on the city's appearance was left by the period when Avignon was the capital of the Christian world. During this time, the Gothic style dominated, but in its specific, southern interpretation — austere and monumental, designed to demonstrate power and impregnability.

• Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes): The main dominant feature of the city and the largest Gothic ensemble in Europe. It is a complex structure combining features of an impregnable fortress and a luxurious residence.
• The Ramparts (Les Remparts): A perfectly preserved ring of fortifications 4.3 km long. Crenellated walls and massive towers serve as a benchmark of medieval military architecture.
• Saint-Pierre Church (Basilique Saint-Pierre): A vivid example of "Flamboyant Gothic" with a richly decorated façade and massive wooden doors created during the Renaissance.

The Legate Era: Renaissance and Baroque (15th–18th Centuries)

After the popes returned to Rome, Avignon remained under the administration of papal legates. The city became a haven for wealthy Italian and French nobility. Austere Gothic was replaced by the elegance of the Renaissance and the opulence of the Baroque, manifested in civil architecture.

• Mint House (Hôtel des Monnaies): A 17th-century building opposite the Palais des Papes. Its Baroque façade with garlands, mascarons, and heraldic eagles creates a striking contrast with the medieval severity of the papal residence.
• Private Mansions (Hôtels Particuliers): Behind the unassuming walls of narrow streets hide dozens of luxurious aristocratic residences (for example, Hôtel de Sade or Hôtel de Caumont), distinguished by classical proportions and cosy inner courtyards.

French Reconstruction: Classicism and Eclecticism (19th Century)

Becoming part of France, Avignon underwent massive modernisation in the 19th century. The influence of Baron Haussmann's Parisian urban planning led to the construction of new thoroughfares through the dense historical fabric.

• Rue de la République: The city's main artery, connecting the station with the centre. The street's development is executed in the Second Empire and Neoclassical styles, reminiscent of Parisian boulevards with their mansards and balconies.
• City Hall and Opera Theatre: Buildings on the Clock Square (Place de l'Horloge) defined the new secular centre of the city in the spirit of 19th-century academic classicism.

Modernity (20th–21st Centuries)

In recent times, Avignon has moved modern architecture outside the fortress walls, keeping the historical core intact.

• Avignon TGV Station: An example of modernist and high-tech architecture. The building, shaped like the inverted hull of a ship made of glass and concrete, symbolises new speeds and the city's openness to the world.

Notable Personalities of Avignon

The history of Avignon is inextricably linked with the names of great rulers, creators, and mystics. These people not only lived here but also shaped the unique spirit of the city, turning it into a centre of religion, art, and culture.

• Saint Bénézet (c. 1165–1184)
  Shepherd, bridge builder
  A legendary figure in the city's history. According to tradition, a simple shepherd received a divine revelation and single-handedly moved a huge stone, marking the beginning of the construction of the famous bridge across the Rhône (Pont Saint-Bénézet). He is revered as the patron saint of bridge builders.
• Clement VI (1291–1352)
  Pope
  The most lavish and influential of the Avignon popes. It was he who purchased the city from Queen Joanna I in 1348, making it the property of the Holy See. Under him, the Palais des Papes was significantly expanded and decorated, turning into a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
• Francesco Petrarch (1304–1374)
  Poet, philosopher, humanist
  The father of humanism spent a significant part of his life in Avignon and its surroundings (Vaucluse). It was here, in the Avignon church of Saint Claire, on Good Friday in 1327, that he first met Laura — the muse who inspired him to create his immortal sonnets.
• Claude Joseph Vernet (1714–1789)
  Painter
  A native of Avignon who became one of the most famous landscape painters in 18th-century Europe. He became famous for his sea storms, moonlit nights, and the series of monumental canvases "Ports of France", commissioned by King Louis XV.
• Jean Vilar (1912–1971)
  Theatre director, actor
  The man who gave the city its modern fame. In 1947, he organised the "Week of Dramatic Art", which grew into the Avignon Festival. Vilar democratised theatre, making elite art accessible to the general public within the walls of the Palais des Papes.
• Olivier Messiaen (1908–1992)
  Composer, organist, ornithologist
  One of the greatest composers of the 20th century was born in Avignon. His musical language, inspired by birdsong and religious mysticism, had a huge influence on the development of modern academic music.
• Mireille Mathieu (born 1946)
  Pop singer
  The famous "Mademoiselle Avignon", born into the family of a local stonemason. Her voice and style became one of the symbols of France worldwide. Despite global fame, the singer maintains a close connection with her hometown.