Collection of 52 Terracotta Tiles - Crossed Keys of Avignon Papacy 4"

A collection of square antique French terracotta tiles, each decorated with the emblematic keys of Avignon. A dark green border frames the central beige coat of arms, where crossed maroon-colored keys stand as a striking symbol of the city's papal heritage.

The coat of arms with crossed keys is the historic emblem of the Avignon Papacy, a period from 1309 to 1377 when the Popes resided in Avignon rather than Rome. The crossed keys symbolize the Keys of Heaven, given to Saint Peter as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew (16:19), representing the spiritual and temporal authority of the Papacy—the power to bind and loose on Earth and in Heaven.

These tiles reflect Avignon's historical significance as the administrative heart of the Catholic Church during this era. The grand Palais des Papes, once the Papal residence, remains a lasting testament to the city's influence. Whether incorporated into an architectural project or displayed as decorative artifacts, these tiles offer a tangible link to the medieval past, evoking the grandeur and legacy of the Avignon Papacy.