Cathedrale Notre Dame des Doms Avignon

Avignon and the Catholic Church are intricately connected with each other. Several of France's celebrated Popes had their residences here and the papal glory in France can be understood from a trip to Cathedrale Notre-Dame des Doms, Avignon . It was as early as 1309 AD that the city was chosen by Pope Clement V as his residence. At that point of time, the city and its surroundings were ruled by the Sicilian Kings, principally the House of Anjou had supremacy in this respect. Philip the Fair, the French King inherited all the rights of Alphonse de Poitiers, the last Count of Toulouse, from his father and made them over to Charles II who was the King of Naples as well as the Count of Provence in 1290 AD. But in spite of this gesture, Phillip the Fair was a very shrewd ruler.

With the imposition of taxes during the flooding of Rhone River, Avignon was very much within the purview of Philip's dominions. But this city soon changed hands as it was sold to Clement VI by Queen Joanna I of Sicily, as countess of Provence. Papacy in France continued to have their stronghold of Avignon till 1791 AD. The turbulence of the French Revolution saw Avignon's reincorporation with France.

Here in Avignon you will be mesmerized to see a 12th-century Cathedral, the Cathedrale Notre-Dame des Doms . When it was built, it was in Provençal Romanesque style but, the building of an elaborate palace beside it soon took away some of its shine. Some remedial measures were taken in the 14th century with the addition of a cupola. It collapsed very soon but the cupola which was rebuilt had a Byzantine like marvel of stacked arches. The distinguishing Baroque galleries were added to the cathedral in 17th century and the huge gilded Virgin Mary lantern's glow can be seen for miles around. Cathedral remains contain the Flamboyant Gothic tomb of some of the popes of Avignon.