# Taizé

> commune in Saône-et-Loire, France

**Wikidata**: [Q501933](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q501933)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taizé,_Saône-et-Loire)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/taiz

## Summary
Taizé is a commune in the Saône-et-Loire department of France, known for being the home of the Taizé Community, an ecumenical religious order founded in 1949. It is also recognized for its spiritual significance and global influence in Christian ecumenism.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Taizé, Saône-et-Loire, France
- **Type**: Commune in the French administrative system
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 46.513333333333, Longitude 4.6769444444444
- **Population (recent estimates)**: Ranges from 171 to 196 inhabitants over multiple years
- **Website**: [http://www.taize.fr](http://www.taize.fr)
- **Notable Entity**: Headquarters of the **Taizé Community**, an ecumenical monastic order founded in 1949
- **Administrative Region**: Part of the **arrondissement of Mâcon**, **Saône-et-Loire department**, in **France**
- **Historical Canton**: Formerly part of the **canton of Saint-Gengoux-le-National** (until March 2015)
- **Related Entities**: 
  - **Taizé Community** (inception: 1949)
  - **100033 Taizé** – an asteroid named after the commune
- **Wikipedia Title**: Taizé, Saône-et-Loire
- **Wikidata Description**: Commune in Saône-et-Loire, France
- **Sitelink Count**: 42

## FAQs

**What is Taizé known for?**  
Taizé is best known as the home of the Taizé Community, an ecumenical Christian community founded in 1949 by Brother Roger Schütz. It has become a global center for youth spirituality and Christian reconciliation.

**Where is Taizé located?**  
Taizé is located in the commune of Taizé within the **Saône-et-Loire** department, in the **Bourgogne-Franche-Comté** region of France. It is part of the **arrondissement of Mâcon**.

**What is the Taizé Community?**  
The Taizé Community is an ecumenical monastic order established in 1949. It is dedicated to promoting Christian unity and reconciliation, particularly among young people from around the world.

**What is the population of Taizé?**  
The population of Taizé has ranged between 171 and 196 inhabitants in recent years, with specific recorded values including 178, 194, and 196.

**Is Taizé a religious site?**  
Yes, Taizé is internationally recognized for its religious significance due to the presence of the Taizé Community, which draws thousands of young pilgrims annually for prayer, worship, and spiritual reflection.

**What is the significance of the Taizé Community?**  
The Taizé Community is significant for its role in modern Christian ecumenism, its unique form of meditative worship, and its influence on global youth spirituality. It has inspired interfaith dialogue and reconciliation efforts across denominations.

**Are there any notable landmarks or institutions in Taizé?**  
The primary landmark is the Taizé Community itself, which includes the monastery, prayer halls, and accommodations for pilgrims. The community is also known for its simple, contemplative architecture and musical traditions.

**Is Taizé involved in any international activities?**  
Yes, the Taizé Community hosts international gatherings, prayer meetings, and youth events that attract participants from over 150 countries. It also engages in peace-building and reconciliation initiatives globally.

## Why It Matters

Taizé holds global significance as the home of the Taizé Community, a pioneering ecumenical Christian movement that has shaped modern interdenominational spirituality. Founded in 1949 by Brother Roger Schütz, the community has become a beacon for youth seeking spiritual renewal and Christian unity. Its influence extends beyond France, with thousands of young people visiting annually to participate in prayer, reflection, and dialogue.

The community’s emphasis on reconciliation, peace, and simplicity has made it a model for interfaith cooperation and a source of inspiration for global Christian movements. Its unique worship style, characterized by repetitive chants and meditative music, has been adopted by churches worldwide. The community also plays a vital role in promoting social justice, peace, and environmental stewardship.

Taizé’s impact is not limited to religious circles—it has influenced music, theology, and youth engagement in spirituality. Its legacy includes fostering a generation of young Christians committed to unity, justice, and global solidarity.

## Notable For

- **Home of the Taizé Community**, a globally recognized ecumenical Christian order
- **Spiritual pilgrimage destination** for youth from over 150 countries
- **Unique worship style** combining meditative chants, silence, and simplicity
- **Founding of an international youth movement** in Christian reconciliation
- **Influence on global Christian music** and liturgical practices
- **Model for interdenominational cooperation** and peace-building
- **Architectural simplicity** reflecting the community’s values of humility and unity
- **Annual international gatherings** that attract thousands of participants
- **Environmental and social justice advocacy** through its spiritual mission
- **Named asteroid (100033 Taizé)** in recognition of its cultural impact

## Body

### History

Taizé, as a commune, is historically linked to the establishment of the **Taizé Community** in 1949. Founded by **Brother Roger Schütz**, a Swiss theologian, the community was created to serve as a center for **Christian reconciliation and ecumenism**. The community quickly became a global spiritual hub, especially for young people seeking a deeper connection to faith and unity among Christian denominations.

The community's origins trace back to the post-World War II era, when Brother Roger sought to rebuild fractured relationships between Christian churches and nations. The community’s commitment to peace and reconciliation was evident from its early years, and it continues to host international gatherings that emphasize unity, prayer, and shared spiritual experience.

### Geography and Administration

Taizé is located in the **Saône-et-Loire** department in the **Bourgogne-Franche-Comté** region of France. It lies within the **arrondissement of Mâcon** and was formerly part of the **canton of Saint-Gengoux-le-National** until administrative reforms in March 2015.

The commune covers a small geographic area with coordinates approximately at **latitude 46.513333333333** and **longitude 4.6769444444444**. Despite its small size, Taizé holds international prominence due to its spiritual and cultural contributions.

### Demographics

The population of Taizé has fluctuated slightly over recent years, with recorded values including:
- 178, 171, 179, 176, 178, 186, 194, 194, 195, 196, and 174.

These figures reflect the small but internationally significant community that resides in the commune, including members of the Taizé Community and visiting pilgrims.

### The Taizé Community

Founded in 1949, the **Taizé Community** is an ecumenical monastic order rooted in the principles of **Christian unity, reconciliation, and simplicity**. The community is known for:
- **Meditative worship** combining chants, silence, and prayer
- **International youth gatherings** that draw participants from over 150 countries
- **Ecumenical outreach** through music, liturgy, and shared spiritual practices
- **Peace-building initiatives** and advocacy for global justice

The community’s influence extends beyond France, with its music and liturgical practices adopted by churches worldwide. The Taizé Community has also been instrumental in creating a global network of young Christians committed to reconciliation and service.

### Architecture and Worship

The physical and spiritual architecture of Taizé reflects the community’s values:
- **Simple, modernist buildings** designed for communal living and prayer
- **Prayer halls** that accommodate large groups in silence and meditation
- **Chapel of the Ascension**, a central place of worship and pilgrimage
- **Accommodations for pilgrims**, designed to foster community and reflection

The community’s worship style emphasizes:
- **Meditative chants** and repetitive songs that create a contemplative atmosphere
- **Silence and reflection** as core elements of spiritual practice
- **Ecumenical liturgies** that welcome all Christian traditions

### International Influence

Taizé is notable for its global impact:
- **Annual international meetings** that attract thousands of young people
- **Music and liturgical resources** used in churches worldwide
- **Publications and theological contributions** that promote unity and peace
- **Environmental and social justice initiatives** rooted in Christian values

The community’s influence is also recognized through:
- **Named asteroid (100033 Taizé)**, honoring its cultural and spiritual legacy
- **Global network of Taizé prayer groups** in over 150 countries
- **Youth leadership programs** that empower participants to become agents of reconciliation

### Related Entities

- **Taizé Community**: Founded in 1949, headquartered in Taizé, France
- **100033 Taizé**: An asteroid named in honor of the commune and its spiritual legacy
- **Arrondissement of Mâcon**: Administrative region containing Taizé
- **Saône-et-Loire**: French department where Taizé is located
- **Canton of Saint-Gengoux-le-National**: Former administrative division (until March 2015)
- **France**: Country of origin and location of Taizé

### Conclusion

Taizé, though a small commune, holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. As the home of the Taizé Community, it serves as a global center for Christian unity, youth engagement, and peace-building. Its legacy is rooted in simplicity, prayer, and reconciliation, making it a unique and enduring symbol of interfaith cooperation and spiritual renewal.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
3. INSEE code
4. répertoire géographique des communes
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Annuaire de service-public.fr
7. MusicBrainz
8. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
9. Populations légales 2016
10. Populations légales 2017
11. Populations légales 2018
12. Populations légales 2019
13. Populations légales 2020
14. Populations légales 2021
15. Populations de référence 2022
16. Populations de référence 2023
17. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
18. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
19. GeoNames
20. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
21. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
23. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File