Avignon

Avignon (ävēnyôN`), city (1990 pop. 86,440), capital of Vaucluse dept., SE France, on the Rhône River. It is a farm market with a wine trade and a great variety of manufactures. Located in (but never a part of) the Comtat Venaissin, it was the papal see during the Babylonian captivity, from 1309 to 1378 (see papacy), and the residence of several antipopes from 1378 to 1408 (see Schism, Great). Pope Clement VI bought (1348) full title to Avignon from the countess of Provence. After the Great Schism, Avignon was nominally ruled by papal legates, but the citizens actually governed themselves. The city became an archiepiscopal see in 1475. In 1791, after a plebiscite, it was incorporated into France. One of the loveliest of French cities, Avignon is surrounded by ramparts (12th and 14th cent.) and has many old churches. The beautiful Gothic papal palace was built (14th cent.) atop a hill to serve as residence, fortress, and church. A fragment of a 12th-century bridge across the Rhône remains. Avignon was celebrated by Petrarch, who resided at the court of Clement VI. The city has a well-known theater festival.

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Avignon

 ancient Avennio

City (pop., 2004 prelim.: 89,400), southeastern France. Founded by the Gallic tribe of Cavares, it later fell under Roman rule and was a much-fought-over prize in its early days. Its status grew tremendously as the capital of the papacy (1309–77) and seat of the Avignonese popes during the Western Schism. France annexed the city in 1791. Landmarks include a Romanesque cathedral, the papal palace, and Saint-Bénézet bridge, made famous by the song “Sur le pont d'Avignon.” The city's historic centre was designated a World Heritage site in 1995.

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Avignon

location of alternate papacy (1309–1377). [Fr. Hist.: Bishop, 376]

See : Controversy