🔗 Share this article

Throughout Europe, numerous cathedrals serve as monuments of faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. From contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most captivating ones recommended by discerning travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking example of 20th-century architecture. Its simple, elegant exterior mirrors the nearby scenery and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, guests can discover possibly the most cozy church benches one could hope to experience. One breathtaking mural of glass depicting the Return of Christ might not be for all tastes, but it radiates a powerful sense of majesty. Leaving the impressive structure after an musical performance to see the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

The grounds bursting with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular panorama of Nice. The cemetery there contains the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the spirit of a church. Although it would never compare to more ornate buildings, that is precisely its charm. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up generations of belief. Being there evoked a feeling 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 labyrinth of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a classic illustration of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, boasting exquisite stonework and massive domes. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, including an underground crypt, is overflowing with history and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in Germany

South of the city of Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and dazzling stained glass create a lofty, light-filled space of welcome that defies easy labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral commands views stretching from the charming old town all the way to the lake and the distant Alps. Entry to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can ascend the spire. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 12th-century building presents a varied schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and faith of its builders. During the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, artist Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From scraps of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful sanctuary imbued with love and peace amidst a time of war—an inspiring place to see many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the horizon for miles around. Perched on a hill above the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like medieval marvel has weathered hundreds of years of history's tumult. Inside is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and soaring columns, centered around a colossal organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. One's gaze, however, is often captured by the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that seem to erupt from the exterior walls. They look less carved and more fossilised, like primeval protectors of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford stands in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, you walk to a structure that looks more like a farm building from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but within, traces of an earlier pre-Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The overall atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Nativity Church is rather unassuming—a feature possibly designed to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is structurally rather simple. Its true glory, however, lies in its windows. All twelve were designed by the renowned artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the site that he decided to create the other panes, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a blissful sensation. Admission to this unique place is free.