Vézelay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vézelay
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 Vézelay
Location in France
Vézelay
Location in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
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| Country | France |
| Region | Bourgogne-Franche-Comté |
| Department | Yonne |
| Arrondissement | Avallon |
| Canton | Vézelay |
| Area
1
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21.83 km2 (8.43 sq mi) |
| Population
(2006)
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486 |
| • Density | 22.263/km2 (57.66/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
| INSEE/Postal code |
89446 /89450
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| Elevation | 170–339 m (558–1,112 ft) (avg. 302 m or 991 ft) |
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
Vézelay is a small and beautiful village in the center of France. It is located in the Yonne department. A department is like a county or region in France. Vézelay is famous for its amazing old church, the Vézelay Abbey.
This village is built on a hill. It offers wonderful views of the countryside. Vézelay is known around the world for its history. Many people visit it every year.
Contents
Discovering Vézelay's History
Vézelay has a very long and interesting history. It was important even in ancient Roman times. The village grew around its famous abbey. This abbey was built a long, long time ago.
The Famous Vézelay Abbey
The Vézelay Abbey is also called the Basilica of Sainte Marie-Madeleine. It is a very old church. It was built in the Romanesque style. This means it has thick walls and round arches. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it is a very special place that needs to be protected.
Why the Abbey is Special
The abbey was once a very important place for pilgrims. Pilgrims are people who travel for religious reasons. They believed that the abbey held the remains of Mary Magdalene. This made Vézelay a major stop on the way to Santiago de Compostela. This is a famous pilgrimage route in Spain.
The abbey's architecture is amazing. It has beautiful carvings and sculptures. These tell stories from the Bible. The light inside the church is also very special. It changes throughout the day.
Important Events in Vézelay
Many important events happened in Vézelay. In 1146, Bernard of Clairvaux preached the Second Crusade here. This was a big event in history. Later, in 1190, Richard I of England and Philip II of France met here. They started their journey for the Third Crusade from Vézelay.
Vézelay Today
Today, Vézelay is a peaceful village. It still welcomes many visitors. People come to see the abbey and enjoy the quiet atmosphere. There are small shops and art galleries. You can also find places to eat. The village keeps its old charm. It feels like stepping back in time.
Local Government and Life
Vézelay is a commune. A commune is the smallest division of local government in France. It is like a town or a parish.
Who Leads the Village?
The village is led by a mayor. The mayor helps manage the village. They make decisions about local services. For example, they look after schools and roads. The mayor is elected by the people who live in Vézelay.
Population and Area
Vézelay is a small village. It has about 486 people living there. The village covers an area of about 21.83 square kilometers. This is roughly 8.4 square miles. It is a quiet place to live.
Images for kids
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Vézelay Abbey
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General view of the town
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View of the church aisle
See also
In Spanish: Vézelay para niños
