Carpentras

In the center, we find the cathedral. Tradition has it that the first cathedral was built by Bishop Siffrein in the 6th century. In the 10th century, the cathedral was dedicated to the Virgin, Saint Peter, and Saint Siffrein.
In 1313, Pope Clement settled in Carpentras. His successors preferred Avignon. Nevertheless, Carpentras continued to benefit from papal kindness. The city was governed by bishops, expanded, and a wall was built. Among these, only the Orange Gate remains today.
The Gothic-style cathedral was built at the command of Benedict XIII on the site of the old Romanesque cathedral, which was at risk of collapsing. From the Roman structure, only a dome remains. In 1801, the diocese of Carpentras was incorporated into that of Avignon.
And then there are the Jews who were expelled by Philip the Fair. They fled to the Papal State where they found security and freedom of worship. Carpentras, like Avignon, Cavaillon, and L'Isle sur la Sorgue, would have an important Jewish quarter.

Wim Willems