Next to the Palais des Papes in Avignon is the 12th-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms. The cathedral was first built in a pure Provençal Romanesque style in the 12th century but was soon dwarfed by the extravagant palace that rose beside it.

An attempt to remedy this was made in the 14th century with the addition of a cupola, which promptly collapsed. Rebuilt in 1425, the cupola is a Byzantine-like marvel of stacked arches.

The Baroque galleries were added in the 17th century and crowning the top of the cathedral is a huge gilded Virgin Mary lantern from the 19th century, whose glow can be seen for miles around.

Inside, the cathedral contains the Flamboyant Gothic tombs of some of the Avignon popes. Like most of Avignon's churches, the cathedral was sacked during the Revolution.

From the cathedral, enter the promenade du Rocher-des-Doms to stroll through its garden and enjoy the view across the Rhône to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.

Continue reading on Sacred Destinations.

Written by  Martin Gray.

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