Built in the 12th century and remodeled in the 15th and 17th centuries, the Metropolitan Basilica of Our Lady of the Doms, next to the Popes' Palace, overlooks the Rhône Valley from the Rocher des Doms. Its bell tower is topped with a gilded lead Virgin.
The first mention of Notre-Dame des Doms dates back to 1037.
In Provençal Romanesque style, the cathedral was elevated to the rank of Metropolis in 1475 when the bishopric of Avignon was promoted to archbishopric. The Metropolis was consecrated as a minor basilica in 1854 and the statue of the Virgin Protector of Avignon was placed at its summit in 1859, at a time when Marian worship was very popular. It is made of gilded lead and weighs 4 and a half tons; it was regilded for the Great Jubilee of the year 2000.
Notre-Dame des Doms was listed on the first list of historic monuments in 1840. The entire cathedral complex was registered in 2022. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
On the square in front of the cathedral, the Calvary was erected in the middle of the 19th century.
During your visit, please be discreet and respect silence, especially during religious services.
Sacred music concerts are held regularly. The organ of Notre-Dame des Doms is listed as a Historic Monument. It dates from 1819 and was restored in 2004.
For more information: https://www.musique-sacree-en-avignon.org/
The large nativity scene of the Metropolis occupies the entire surface of the chapel known as "des Spiefami" (protected by a bay window) from Christmas to February 2, following the ancient tradition of Provence.
It is made up of large traditional santons, made by the Carmelites of Avignon in the 19th century. They are among the oldest in Provence. The faces and hands, with their remarkably fine skin tone, are made of wax, and some of the clothes are still original.
Did you know ? :
– The cathedral bell tower has a large carillon of 35 bells, making it the third largest peal in France after those of Strasbourg Cathedral and Notre-Dame Cathedral in Verdun.
– the Metropolis keeps in its sacristy a chasuble cut from the fabric of the last outfit worn by Queen Marie-Antoinette before her execution in 1793.
Watch the video of ND des Doms: https://youtu.be/OXL-yz2FdN4
For more information: https://www.metropole.diocese-avignon.fr/
IH: The forecourt is accessible via a ramp for electric wheelchairs or for manual wheelchairs with assistance (a steep slope and cobblestone pavement on the Place du Palais). There are steps to enter the Notre-Dame des Doms Basilica.
In Provençal Romanesque style, the cathedral was elevated to the rank of Metropolis in 1475 when the bishopric of Avignon was promoted to archbishopric. The Metropolis was consecrated as a minor basilica in 1854 and the statue of the Virgin Protector of Avignon was placed at its summit in 1859, at a time when Marian worship was very popular. It is made of gilded lead and weighs 4 and a half tons; it was regilded for the Great Jubilee of the year 2000.
Notre-Dame des Doms was listed on the first list of historic monuments in 1840. The entire cathedral complex was registered in 2022. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
On the square in front of the cathedral, the Calvary was erected in the middle of the 19th century.
During your visit, please be discreet and respect silence, especially during religious services.
Sacred music concerts are held regularly. The organ of Notre-Dame des Doms is listed as a Historic Monument. It dates from 1819 and was restored in 2004.
For more information: https://www.musique-sacree-en-avignon.org/
The large nativity scene of the Metropolis occupies the entire surface of the chapel known as "des Spiefami" (protected by a bay window) from Christmas to February 2, following the ancient tradition of Provence.
It is made up of large traditional santons, made by the Carmelites of Avignon in the 19th century. They are among the oldest in Provence. The faces and hands, with their remarkably fine skin tone, are made of wax, and some of the clothes are still original.
Did you know ? :
– The cathedral bell tower has a large carillon of 35 bells, making it the third largest peal in France after those of Strasbourg Cathedral and Notre-Dame Cathedral in Verdun.
– the Metropolis keeps in its sacristy a chasuble cut from the fabric of the last outfit worn by Queen Marie-Antoinette before her execution in 1793.
Watch the video of ND des Doms: https://youtu.be/OXL-yz2FdN4
For more information: https://www.metropole.diocese-avignon.fr/
IH: The forecourt is accessible via a ramp for electric wheelchairs or for manual wheelchairs with assistance (a steep slope and cobblestone pavement on the Place du Palais). There are steps to enter the Notre-Dame des Doms Basilica.
Themes:
Location details
- In the city
- Pedestrian zone
Opening
| Opening hours from January 01 to December 31, 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Open from 08:30 a.m. to 17:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday | Open from 08:30 a.m. to 17:30 p.m. |
| Thursday | Open from 08:30 a.m. to 17:30 p.m. |
| Friday | Open from 08:30 a.m. to 17:30 p.m. |
| Open on Saturday | Open from 08:30 a.m. to 17:30 p.m. |
| Sunday | Open from 08:30 a.m. to 17:30 p.m. |
These times are subject to change and may vary depending on the availability of surveillance staff.
Pricing
Services
Home animals
Accessible tourism
Physical disability
The forecourt is accessible via a ramp for electric wheelchairs or for manual but accompanied wheelchairs (a steep slope and cobblestone path on the Place du Palais square). Steps are present to enter the Notre-Dame des-Doms Basilica.
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