Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms stands on Place du Palais beside the Palais des Papes in Avignon, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. Its Romanesque core dates from the 12th century, and later additions include side chapels, a Baroque porch and a 19th-century gilded statue of the Virgin atop the bell tower, which can be seen from across the city. The interior is relatively plain compared with the neighbouring palace, with a single nave, barrel vaulting and a light-filled dome over the crossing. Its most famous features are the Gothic tomb of Pope John XXII, a carved white marble monument dating from the 14th century, and the tomb of Benedict XII. The episcopal throne, a Romanesque stone seat carved with winged lions, is another notable object. Several of the chapels hold paintings, and the cathedral's position at the foot of the Rocher des Doms makes it a good starting point for the climb to the garden. A visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, and the interior is calm and often quiet even when the square outside is busy. Visitors should dress modestly, speak quietly and avoid walking around during services, when the building may close to sightseers. The best photograph of the cathedral facade is taken from the Place du Palais, where it sits next to the papal palace walls. Mornings are generally less crowded, while the middle of the day is the busiest time because of tour groups heading to the palace. The cathedral is part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Avignon.