🔗 Share this article

Across Europe, numerous cathedrals serve as monuments of faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to centuries-old havens, here are some of the most remarkable examples recommended by discerning travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking example of 20th-century architecture. Its clean, graceful exterior mirrors the nearby landscape and echoes historic local huts. Within, guests can discover what are arguably the most comfortable church benches one could ever sit on. A breathtaking glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ might not appeal to everyone, but it exudes a profound feeling of majesty. Leaving this magnificent structure after an musical performance to see the northern lights flickering overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

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

The grounds bursting with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular panorama of the city. The cemetery on-site contains the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly captures the essence of a church. While it cannot rival grander establishments, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of belief. Sitting there produced a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the solace these places offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italy's religious art, featuring stunning marble and massive domes. However, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This medieval round church, including an underground crypt, is overflowing with history and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

South of Essen in the municipality of this location stands one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass create a soaring, luminous interior of warmth that defies easy labels as "brutalist". Adding to the allure of this less-visited location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above Lausanne, the cathedral commands views stretching from the picturesque old town down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can climb the spire. Aside from its impressive medieval structure and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a varied programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the skill and faith of its creators. During the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his comrades converted two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they created a profoundly beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an uplifting place to visit decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez dominates the skyline for miles in every direction. Set on a hill above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic marvel has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring pillars, centered around a massive organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. The true attention, however, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing leer of the scores of writhing gargoyles that appear to erupt from the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like ancient guardians of this striking church.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Parking on a adjacent verge, visitors make their way towards a building that looks more like a barn from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The overall atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most magnificent churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a feature perhaps designed to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 1100s, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, however, is its windows. Every single one were created by the celebrated painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's daughter. The artist was so taken with the church that he decided to design the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling range of blues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this unique treasure is free.