🔗 Share this article

Across Europe, numerous cathedrals stand as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From modernist masterpieces to centuries-old sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most captivating examples recommended by discerning travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking example of modernist architecture. Its clean, graceful exterior mirrors the nearby landscape and echoes traditional local huts. Inside, visitors can discover possibly the most cozy church benches one could hope to experience. A stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ may not be for all tastes, but it exudes a powerful feeling of majesty. Exiting this impressive building after an musical performance to see the northern lights flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

Its gardens filled with flowers and herbs offer a magnificent panorama over the city. A graveyard there contains the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the essence of a place of worship. While it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is exactly the point. It has unobtrusively soaked up generations of belief. Being there produced a sensation greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the comfort such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of squares and narrow alleys, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, boasting exquisite marble and imposing domes. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, including an subterranean vault, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

Below Essen in the town of this location stands one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass create a lofty, light-filled space of warmth that challenges simple labels as "cold". Adding to the allure of this less-visited location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the cathedral offers views that extend from the charming historic centre down to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the spire. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a diverse programme of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular venue in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a humbling encounter with the craftsmanship and faith of its creators. During the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity during a global conflict—an uplifting place to see decades later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for miles around. Perched on a hill overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like medieval marvel has survived centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and towering pillars, centered around a massive organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. The true gaze, however, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing leer of the scores of twisting gargoyles that seem to erupt from the outside walls. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like primeval protectors of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford sits in a remote field, accessible only by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a nearby verge, visitors make their way towards a structure that resembles a farm building from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 13th century, but inside, evidence of an earlier Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 18th century remain in situ. The overall atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a feature possibly intended to not attract suspicion during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is covered in vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. Its true glory, however, is its stained glass. Every single one were created by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's child. Chagall was so taken with the site that he decided to design the other windows, a task finished in 1985. The windows showcase a dazzling spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this extraordinary place is gratis.