The city of Avignon, lying on the Rhône River, became the residence of the Popes between 1309 and 1377.
The Papal Palace (Palais des Papes) was built in Gothic style between 1335 and 1352 by Pope Benedict XII and Pope Clement VI in two main stages, first the Palace Vieux and later extended with the Palace Neuf.
The city-state of Avignon remained the property of the Holy See until it became part of France in 1791 during the French Revolution.
The Avignon Bridge (Pont Saint-Bénezet), built in the 12th century, was damaged and reconstructed during the following centuries. It was no longer maintained after the 17th century and currently only 4 of the 22 arches remain.