St. Peter's Basilica

Just a stone's throw from the Papal Palace, you'll find St. Peter's Basilica. It was first built in the 7th century, only to be demolished by the Saracens. It rose again in 1358, thanks to the generous donation of the cardinal Pierre des Prés, and it was expanded in the following century, growing into the stunning structure we see today. It was formerly a collegiate church, but Pope Benedict XVI officially made it a minor basilica in 2012. It sports a flamboyant Provençal Gothic façade and solid walnut-wood doors. It is decorated with a number of Renaissance-style sculptures, and boasts an octagonal bell tower, a hallmark of Avignon's medieval churches. No wonder it was listed as a historical monument back in 1840. What are you waiting for? Step inside and marvel at its stunning interior decor – it's well worth the detour!