Palais des Papes

The Palais des Papes is one of the largest 14th-century Gothic structures in existence today. The massive stone marvel comprises a collection of 50-meter towers covering a total of 15,000 square meters (161,459 square feet). Fulfilling its dual role as both a fortress and palace, it was home to no fewer than seven popes between 1309 and 1377, all of whom were anxious to escape Rome and its political unrest. Commitment to religious life did not stop these popes from surrounding themselves with luxuries like fine artworks, which can still be seen hanging over vast fireplaces, on the walls of bedrooms, and elsewhere around the sizable palace. Roughly 650,000 visitors throng to this magnificent palace each year.