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Eglise Notre Dame, Avignon is a place of great significance. Avignon was under papal supremacy and control for a large part of its history therefore the development of this place was stupendous. At the beginning of the 14 th Century, Avignon was a town of little importance, but the residences of seven popes changed the look of this sleepy medieval town. The Palace of the Popes was an imposing and awe inspiring structure. The towers of this building were linked to one another and named as De la Campane, de Trouillas, de la Glacière, de Saint-Jean, des Saints-Anges {Benedict XII}, de la Gâche, de la Garde-Robe {Clement VI}), de Saint-Laurent {Innocent VI}. The architecture of this Palace belongs to the era of Gothic art that was prevalent in the South of France at that time. Avignon was not only the residence of the Popes, but several noted people from the trading class made their home here. Italian bankers settled here as money-changers and did a roaring business as mediators between the Apostolic Chamber and its debtors. They lived in the affluent quarters of the city and this area was known as the Exchange. Several active members of the Church contributed to the growth and development of the city, it did not matter that some of them were from other countries in Europe but settled here. Universities and other seats of learning were great draws. Church history in Avignon had its ups and downs. The papal return to Rome provoked the Great Schism , during which the antipopes continued to reside here. One of the antipopes lived there during his entire pontificate but the other lived here only till1403 AD, when he fled to Aragon. Cardinal Arnaud de Via established the Eglise Notre-Dame in 1333 AD. The architecture is a great draw but the other attraction is an antique copy of Enguerrand Charonton's Pieta , the original of which is in the Louvre. The sculptor of this great work is unknown. The church is open from April to September, daily from 10am to 12:30pm and 2 to 6:30pm, in October till March it is open daily from 10am to noon and 2 to 5pm. Admission is free of charge.
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