🔗 Share this article

Throughout the continent, numerous cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. From modernist masterpieces to centuries-old sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most remarkable ones recommended by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking example of 20th-century architecture. Its simple, elegant exterior mirrors the nearby scenery and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors will find possibly the most comfortable pews anyone could ever sit on. A breathtaking mural of glass depicting the Return of Christ might not be for all tastes, but it radiates a profound feeling of majesty. Leaving the impressive building following an organ recital to see the aurora borealis flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

Its grounds bursting with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent vista of the city. A graveyard there contains the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the essence of a church. Although it would never compare to more ornate buildings, that is exactly its charm. It has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of faith. Being there produced a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep realization of the comfort these places can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of squares and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italy's religious architecture, boasting stunning marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, with an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches serve as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the municipality of this location stands one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of concrete and dazzling coloured windows form a lofty, light-filled space of warmth that defies simple categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above Lausanne, the cathedral commands views stretching from the charming historic centre all the way to the lake and the distant Alps. Admission to the church is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 12th-century building presents a diverse schedule of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a popular cultural hub in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a humbling encounter with the craftsmanship and faith of its builders. In the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful space imbued with love and peace amidst a time of war—an inspiring site to visit many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres around. Set on a hill above the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like Gothic wonder has survived centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and towering columns, all framing a colossal organ. Its intricately carved seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. The true attention, though, is often captured by the mesmerizing stare of the scores of writhing gargoyles that seem to burst out of the exterior stonework. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this striking church.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Parking on a nearby 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 earlier pre-Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s are still in situ. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches one could encounter. Externally, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a feature possibly intended to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. The church's true glory, however, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the celebrated painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's child. Chagall was so impressed by the site that he decided to design the remaining windows, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful environment is a blissful sensation. Admission to this unique treasure is gratis.