The Country Mice

Enter, if you dare, the Palace of the Popes.

Mid-14th century and the seat of The Church is moved from Rome to Avignon.

A big building is required to hold all those big egos — let’s just note, gently, that the church was somewhat, ah, less concerned with public perception six centuries ago.

Plus it was the time of the plague and take-no-prisoners invasions so the ramparts needed to be strong and tall. As well, these are the days of the Knights Templar, so marauding is not confined to just one team, as it were.

But bits of beauty everywhere, like a beam of light, reminding of the morning that always comes.