France has a diverse culture. For centuries, the country has played the role of an important role as a cultural center. Few religious buildings of France are monasteries, abbeys, cathedrals, churches and chapels.
An establishment in which the members of a religious order live is called a monastery. The abbey, abbey church, cloister, priory, commandery and hermitage are all part of the monastery. A monastery that is run by an abbot or abbess is called an abbey. Many abbeys in France came up in the 11th to 12th century. Silvacane (Bouches-du-Rhône), Senanque (Vaucluse), Fontenay (Côte-d'Or) and Pontigny (Yonne) are some popular abbeys of France.
The Episcopal church of a diocese run by a bishop is called a cathedral. The Gothic Religious Heritage of France can be seen clearly in the cathedrals of Chartres, Reims and Paris. Some other cathedrals are Romanesque Poitiers, Red Albi and contemporary Evry. The Pope confers the title basilica on some religious buildings. Some religious buildings at Saint-Denis and in Lourdes have been conferred the name, basilica.
There are various types of churches. They include an abbey church, a collegiate church, a convent church and a parish church. A chapel is also a church. But it does not enjoy the rank of Parish.
One of the most popular religious buildings of France is the Notre Dame de Paris. This church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is a major tourist destination. It is used as a Roman Catholic Cathedral. It's one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.
Another popular building of France is the Abbey on Fontenay in Burgundy. It was founded by St. Bernard in 1118. In 1981, UNESCO granted the Abbey of Fontena the "world heritage" status.
The Abbey of Royaumont is another religious building of France. It was founded in 1228 by Louis IX. The building is set at a lakeside keeping with the recommendations of the Cistercian order.
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