🔗 Share this article

Throughout the continent, numerous cathedrals stand as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist creations to ancient sanctuaries, here are some of the most remarkable examples recommended by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking example of modernist architecture. Its clean, graceful exterior reflects the nearby scenery and evokes historic local huts. Inside, visitors will find possibly the most cozy church benches anyone could hope to sit on. A breathtaking mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming may not be for all tastes, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Exiting this impressive building after an organ recital to witness the northern lights dancing overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

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

Its gardens filled with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent vista of Nice. A graveyard on-site contains the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the spirit of a church. Although it cannot rival grander buildings, that is precisely the point. It has quietly absorbed generations of belief. Sitting there evoked a feeling greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the comfort these places can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and winding alleys, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italy's religious architecture, boasting exquisite stonework and imposing cupolas. However, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, with an underground vault, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the municipality of this location stands one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass create a lofty, luminous space of warmth that challenges easy labels as "brutalist". Adding to the appeal of this less-visited location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high above the city, the cathedral commands views that extend from the charming old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is free, and for a small fee, you can ascend the spire. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 12th-century building hosts a diverse schedule of free performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. During the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space imbued with love and peace during a time of war—an uplifting site to visit many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Set high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like Gothic wonder has weathered hundreds of years of history's tumult. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and towering pillars, all framing a colossal pipe organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. One's gaze, however, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that appear to burst out of the exterior walls. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven track. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, visitors make their way to a structure that resembles a barn from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 13th century, but within, traces of an older pre-Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century remain in place. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches one could encounter. Externally, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a characteristic possibly designed to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is covered in vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, however, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a local couple's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the church that he decided to create the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a peaceful environment is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.