When people visit Avignon, they often hear that the Popes lived here in the 14th century. What is less obvious is how long the city remained at the heart of the Catholic Church.

The Popes moved to Avignon in 1309 and stayed until 1377. During those decades, the city became one of the most powerful places in Europe, attracting diplomats, artists, and merchants from across the continent.

But the story doesn’t end there.

Even after the Popes returned to Rome, Avignon continued to play a central role during a period of division within the Church known as the Great Western Schism. Rival Popes — often called antipopes — remained in Avignon into the early 15th century.

So while the official papal residence lasted less than 70 years, Avignon’s importance in the history of the Church extended much longer — close to a century in total.

Today, the Palais des Papes is the most visible reminder of that time. But the real story is not just about where the Popes lived — it’s about how this relatively small city briefly became one of the centers of power in Europe.

If you’d like to explore these stories in more detail, you can join one of my walking tours.