L'Hôpital-Saint-Blaise facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
L'Hôpital-Saint-Blaise
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12th-century Romanesque church
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 L'Hôpital-Saint-Blaise
Location in France
L'Hôpital-Saint-Blaise
Location in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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| Country | France |
| Region | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
| Department | Pyrénées-Atlantiques |
| Arrondissement | Oloron-Sainte-Marie |
| Canton | Mauléon-Licharre |
| Intercommunality | Soule-Xiberoa |
| Area
1
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2.11 km2 (0.81 sq mi) |
| Population
(2006)
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76 |
| • Density | 36.0/km2 (93.3/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
| INSEE/Postal code |
64264 /64130
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| Elevation | 147–254 m (482–833 ft) (avg. 159 m or 522 ft) |
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
L'Hôpital-Saint-Blaise is a small village, also called a commune, located in the southwestern part of France. It is found in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département. A département is like a county or a region in France.
This quiet commune is famous for its beautiful old church. The church is very special because it is part of a bigger group of sites recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This means it's important for everyone in the world to protect and learn about.
Contents
L'Hôpital-Saint-Blaise: A Historic Village
L'Hôpital-Saint-Blaise is a small place with a rich history. It is situated in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty and its unique culture. The village is part of the French Basque Country.
What is a Commune?
In France, a commune is the smallest unit of local government. It is like a town or a village. Each commune has its own mayor and local council. They manage things like local services and public spaces. L'Hôpital-Saint-Blaise is one of many communes in France.
Location and Geography
The commune of L'Hôpital-Saint-Blaise is found in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département. This area is close to the Pyrenees mountains. The landscape around the village includes hills and green areas. The elevation of the commune ranges from 147 to 254 meters above sea level.
The Church of L'Hôpital-Saint-Blaise
The most important building in L'Hôpital-Saint-Blaise is its church. It is a Romanesque church that was built in the 12th century. This means it is over 800 years old! The church is dedicated to Saint Blaise.
World Heritage Status
The church of L'Hôpital-Saint-Blaise is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is part of the "Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France" listing. These routes were used by pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The church served as a hospital and a place of rest for these travelers.
Why is it a World Heritage Site?
The church is important for several reasons:
- Historical Value: It shows how people traveled and worshipped centuries ago.
- Architectural Beauty: It is a great example of Romanesque architecture. This style uses round arches and strong, thick walls.
- Cultural Significance: It played a role in the long history of pilgrimage in Europe.
Local Government
Like all communes in France, L'Hôpital-Saint-Blaise has a local government. The mayor is the head of the commune. The mayor works with a council to make decisions for the village.
The Mayor's Role
The mayor of L'Hôpital-Saint-Blaise helps manage the daily life of the commune. This includes things like:
- Keeping public spaces clean
- Managing local services
- Representing the community
The mayor works to make sure the village runs smoothly for its residents.
