🔗 Share this article

Across Europe, countless cathedrals stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. From modernist creations to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most captivating examples recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking specimen of 20th-century architecture. The simple, elegant exterior reflects the nearby scenery and echoes traditional local huts. Inside, guests will find what are arguably the most cozy church benches anyone could ever experience. One stunning mural of glass depicting the Return of Christ might not be for everyone, but it radiates a powerful feeling of majesty. Leaving this impressive building following an musical performance to see the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views 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 gardens filled with flowers and herbs offer a magnificent panorama of Nice. A graveyard there contains the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely embodies the essence of a place of worship. While it would never compare to more ornate buildings, that is precisely the point. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up centuries of faith. Being there evoked a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the comfort such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime example of Italy's religious art, featuring stunning marble and massive cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, with an underground vault, is overflowing with historical charm and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the town of Neviges stands one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and stunning stained glass form a lofty, light-filled space of welcome that defies easy categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high above the city, the cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend from the picturesque historic centre down to the lake and the distant Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the spire. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key venue in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and devotion of its creators. In the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. From scraps of whatever they could find, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary imbued with love and peace amidst a time of war—an uplifting site to see many years on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres around. Perched high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like Gothic marvel has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and soaring columns, all framing a massive pipe organ. Its intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. The true attention, however, is often captured by the mesmerizing leer of the scores of writhing gargoyles that appear to burst out of the exterior walls. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, you make their way towards a building that resembles a barn from a far away. Its construction is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman church can be seen. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s remain in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches anyone could imagine. Externally, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a feature perhaps designed to not attract attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, though, lies in its windows. Every single one were created by the renowned artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's child. Chagall was so impressed by the church that he decided to create the other panes, a task completed in 1985. The windows showcase a dazzling range of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a blissful sensation. Entry to this unique treasure is free.