Notre-Dame des Doms Metropolitan Basilica

The first mention of Notre-Dame des Doms dates back to 1037. Built in the Provençal Romanesque style, the cathedral was elevated to the rank of metropolitan see in 1475 when the bishopric of Avignon was elevated to an archbishopric. The metropolitan see was consecrated as a minor basilica in 1854, and the statue of the Virgin, patroness of Avignon, was placed at its summit in 1859, at a time when Marian devotion was very popular. The statue is made of gilded lead and weighs 4.5 metric tons; it was regilded for the Great Jubilee of the year 2000. Notre-Dame des Doms was listed on the first register of historic monuments in 1840. The entire cathedral complex was listed in 2022. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. On the plaza in front of the cathedral, the Calvary was erected in the mid-19th century. During your visit, please be respectful and maintain silence, especially during religious services. Concerts of sacred music are held regularly. The organ at Notre-Dame des Doms has been designated a Historic Monument. It dates from 1819 and was restored in 2004. For more information: https://www.musique-sacree-en-avignon.org/ The Metropolitan Cathedral’s large nativity scene occupies the entire space of the chapel known as the “des Spiefami” (protected by a glass enclosure) from Christmas through February 2, in keeping with the ancient tradition of Provence. It consists of large traditional santons, crafted by the Carmelite nuns of Avignon in the 19th century. They are among the oldest in Provence. The faces and hands, with their remarkably delicate skin tones, are made of wax, and some of the garments are still the originals. Did you know? : - The cathedral’s bell tower is equipped with a large carillon of 35 bells, making it the third-largest carillon in France after those of Strasbourg Cathedral and Notre-Dame Cathedral in Verdun. - The Archdiocese preserves in its sacristy a chasuble made from the fabric of the last outfit worn by Queen Marie-Antoinette before her execution in 1793. Watch the video of Notre-Dame des Doms: https://youtu.be/OXL-yz2FdN4 For more information: https://www.metropole.diocese-avignon.fr/ Accessibility: The plaza is accessible via a ramp for electric wheelchairs or manual wheelchairs with an attendant (steep slope and cobblestone surface on the Place du Palais). There are steps to enter the Notre-Dame-des-Doms Basilica.