🔗 Share this article

Across the continent, countless cathedrals serve as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From modernist masterpieces to ancient havens, here are a selection of the most captivating ones recommended by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable example of 20th-century design. The simple, elegant exterior reflects the nearby scenery and echoes traditional local huts. Within, guests can discover possibly the most comfortable church benches anyone could ever experience. One stunning glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Leaving this impressive structure after an musical performance to witness the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an unforgettable moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

The grounds filled with flowers and herbs offer a magnificent panorama of the city. A graveyard there contains the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the spirit of a place of worship. Although it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of faith. Being there produced a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the solace such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of squares and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic illustration of Italian ecclesiastical art, featuring exquisite stonework and massive domes. However, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, with an underground crypt, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the municipality of this location rises one of the world's most breathtaking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and dazzling stained glass form a lofty, luminous interior of welcome that challenges simple labels as "cold". Adding to the appeal of this less-visited location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers views stretching from the charming historic centre all the way to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Entry to the church is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the spire. Beyond its remarkable medieval structure and breathtaking panoramas, this 12th-century edifice hosts a diverse schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. During the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity during a global conflict—an inspiring place to see many years on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres around. Perched high up above the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like Gothic wonder has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and towering columns, centered around a massive pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. The true attention, though, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing stare of the scores of writhing gargoyles that appear to erupt from the exterior walls. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, visitors walk to a structure that looks more like a barn from a far away. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, evidence of an older pre-Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval 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 Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. Externally, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a feature perhaps designed to not attract suspicion during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The result is truly overwhelming and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. Its remarkable feature, though, lies in its windows. All twelve were created by the renowned artist Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the site that he decided to create the remaining windows, a work completed in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this unique treasure is gratis.