The Palais des Papes amazes by its height and impression of its architecture that is more remarkable from outside; the famous bridge of Pont St Benezet built in the 12th century was reconstructed several times and today only 22 of its arches are original.
The town acquired its name from the Celts who called it 'the town of violent winds'. It faced floods, fires, pillaging, plague and Le Mistral (a violent, cold and northwesterly wind) but fortunately the greater part of the town remained untouched.
We may say that the town is decorated by churches, chapels and convents as the number of them is great. The cause of it is that the town used to be a residence of seven popes who were mainly interested in plotting and partying but not religion.
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