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- Avignon Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-Dôme
Avignon Cathedral is located north of the Palais des Papes, but was built much earlier than it - in 1150. The cathedral was built in the Provençal Romanesque style, but was subsequently rebuilt several times, thanks to which features of the Gothic style were added to its architectural appearance, and some interior details were made in the Baroque style.
The history of the cathedral is inextricably linked with the so-called “Papal” a period in the history of Avignon that lasted from 1309 to 1377. For almost 70 years, the residence of the Popes was located in Avignon, and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Dome during this time became the “papal” cathedral. In addition, since the Popes sitting in Avignon actually performed the functions of the Bishop of Avignon, it can be said that the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Dome during this period was the “center” of the Catholic world.
It is clear that the Avignon Cathedral was supposed to correspond to your status. Therefore, in the 14th century, its building was significantly expanded, in particular, two Gothic chapels were added with the tombs of Popes John XXII and Benedict XII. At the same time, the interior of the cathedral was decorated with frescoes, for which the outstanding Italian painter of that time, Simone Martini, was invited to Avignon. In addition, the cathedral preserves frescoes from the 13th century, made in the so-called “macabric” (terrible, terrible) style based on the popular tale “Three Dead and Three Living”, popular in the Middle Ages. By the way, these frescoes are considered one of the oldest macabre frescoes in Europe.
The bell tower of the cathedral, which collapsed in 1405, was restored in 1425, and much later, at the end of the 17th century, the apse was rebuilt and significantly expanded.
During the French Revolution, Avignon Cathedral was looted, and many of the works of art that decorated its interior were destroyed. Fortunately, the Gothic tombs of John XXII and Benedict XII, the white marble throne of the 12th century, once used by the popes of Avignon, the ancient pulpit, the stone altar, frescoes and sculptures have survived to this day.
In 1859, a six-meter high bell tower was installed on the cathedral’s bell tower gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. In total, there are three statues of the Virgin Mary in the cathedral, the remaining two can be seen in the second and third chapels, located on the right side of the cathedral.
Another property of the cathedral is the Golden Organ, built in 1819. This organ itself is a historical monument of France.
Avignon Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-Dôme was declared a historical monument of France in 1840, and in 1995 became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
