Here are some examples I've run across:
Fontfroide Abbey in southern France; now a private
residence some of whose windows are made of shards of
the stained glass shattered at Saint-Remi in Reims
during the Revolution.
The Ursuline Convent (Autun); the former chapel is the
(magnificent) dining room and the walls of the
cloister are the ancient Roman walls of the city.
Résidence Villemanzy (Lyon); preserved as much of the
conventual appearance and furnishings as possible.
Ibis Hotel (Bruges); former convent, very much like
Villemanzy.
Saint-Pierre de Vienne, now a Musée Lapidaire; in
pristine condition precisely because it has been hors
de service lo these many years and hence not burdened
with hideous plaster statues, neon haloes, etc.
In my mind, three things make a church: the reserved
sacrament, liturgical activity, and a congregation.
Without all three, it's just a building. As for the
"facilities," Brenda, religious (male and female) had
use of same! ;-))
MG
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