Avignon - Hôtel des Monnaies

Opposite the Papal Palace in Avignon stands the Hôtel des Monnaies, the former mint. Built in the early 17th century, this Baroque building still displays a strong Italian influence; the facade is decorated with large figures of animals and bears the coat-of-arms of Pope Paul V, who came from the House of Borghese and whose vice-legate resided here. Today the palace houses the Conservatoire.