🔗 Share this article

Across Europe, countless cathedrals stand as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to ancient havens, here are a selection of the most captivating ones as shared by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking example of modernist design. The simple, elegant exterior reflects the surrounding landscape and evokes historic Sami dwellings. Within, guests will find possibly the most cozy church benches anyone could ever experience. One breathtaking glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ might not be for all tastes, but it exudes a profound feeling of majesty. Exiting this impressive structure after an organ recital to see the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an unforgettable moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

I never understood what visitors seek in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

The gardens filled with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent panorama of Nice. The cemetery there contains the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the spirit of a place of worship. While it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is precisely the point. It has quietly absorbed generations of faith. Sitting there produced a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the solace such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italy's ecclesiastical art, boasting exquisite marble and massive domes. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, including an subterranean vault, is overflowing with history and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

Below Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the planet's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and stunning stained glass form a soaring, luminous interior of warmth that challenges easy labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend 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 bell tower. Aside from its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a diverse programme of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling encounter with the craftsmanship and faith of its creators. During the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From scraps of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity during a global conflict—an inspiring site to see many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for miles around. Set high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like medieval wonder has weathered centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and soaring columns, all framing a colossal pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. The true attention, though, is frequently captured by the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that appear to burst out of the exterior stonework. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking church.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, you walk towards a structure that looks more like a farm building from a far away. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but within, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a feature possibly designed to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is covered in luminous religious icons and biblical scenes. The effect is truly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. Its remarkable feature, however, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were created by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a local couple's daughter. The artist was so taken with the site that he decided to design the remaining windows, a work completed in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent range of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Entry to this unique place is gratis.