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Which European regions were hit especially hard by the Black Death?

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Medieval illustration of Brotherhood of the Cross flagellants in robes and pointed hats walking in procession, some carrying a crucifix and banners, during the Black Death. — Black Death Flagellants in the Netherlands scourging themselves in atonement, believing that the Black Death is a punishment from God for their sins, 1349.

The Black Death did not affect all areas of Europe equally; while some regions, such as the duchy of Milan, Flanders, and Béarn, were spared the worst of the pandemic, others suffered devastating losses.1

Regions identified as having been hit especially hard include:

Tuscany1
Aragon1
Catalonia1
Languedoc1

In general, urban centers were more severely affected than the countryside due to the higher risk of contagion. Furthermore, the papal court at Avignon experienced a significant loss, with its population reduced by one-fourth. It is important to note that the mortality rate varied significantly across the continent, with estimates suggesting that between one-eighth and two-thirds of the population perished in different regions.1