The terraces referred to were those raised over the great
chapel, and were formed of stone, bedded in asphalt and laid on a staging
of stout oak joists; the view from the terraces was unparalleled for range
and beauty.
The glowing splendor of frescoed walls was enhanced by gorgeous hangings
and tapestries and by the magnificent robes and jewels of popes and
cardinals. Crowds of goldsmiths--forty were employed at the papal court--
embroiderers and silk mercers, made Avignon famous thoughout Europe. In
1337, 318 florins were paid for eight Paris carpets; in 1343 Clement VI.
paid 213 florins for green silk hangings, and 254 florins for carpets
adorned with roses; in 1348, 400 gold and silver vessels turned the scales
at 862 marks, 5 ounces; in the inventory of 1369, despite the fact that
the most precious had been sent to Rome, the gold vessels were weighed out
at 1,434 marks, 1 ounce; the silver at 5,525 marks 7 ounces.
A cardinal's hat cost from 15 to 40 florins, and in 1348, 150 florins were
paid for one piece of scarlet for the pope, and 75 to 100 florins for the
garniture of a riding cloak.
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