City in Provence, France, capital of
Vaucluse departement, on the river Rhone NW
of Marseilles; population (1982) 174,000. 
It was an important Gallic and Roman city,
and has 14th-century walls, a 12th-century
bridge (only half still standing), 
a 13th-century cathedral, and a palace built
1334-42 during the residence here of the
popes.  Avignon was papal property 1348-1791.

Subject by: Russell Webb