🔗 Share this article

Across Europe, countless cathedrals serve as monuments of faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. From contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old havens, we present some of the most remarkable ones as shared by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking example of 20th-century design. The simple, elegant exterior mirrors the surrounding landscape and echoes traditional local huts. Within, visitors can discover what are arguably the most cozy pews one could ever sit on. A breathtaking mural of glass depicting the Return of Christ might not be for everyone, but it exudes a powerful sense of majesty. Leaving the impressive structure following an organ recital to see the northern lights flickering overhead is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

The gardens filled with blooms and plants offer a magnificent vista over Nice. The cemetery on-site contains the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely embodies the essence of a place of worship. Although it cannot rival grander buildings, that is precisely its charm. It has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Being there evoked a feeling greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the comfort these places can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a classic example of Italy's ecclesiastical art, featuring exquisite marble and massive domes. Yet, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque rotunda, including an subterranean vault, is brimming with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches serve as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the municipality of this location rises one of the world's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows create a soaring, luminous space of welcome that challenges easy labels as "cold". Adding to the allure of this less-visited destination is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend from the picturesque historic centre all the way to the lake and the far-off Alps. Entry to the church is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the spire. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a varied schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, making it a popular cultural hub in the nation's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and faith of its creators. In the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity during a time of war—an inspiring site to see many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for miles in every direction. Perched on a hill overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, fortress-like medieval marvel has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and soaring columns, all framing a massive pipe organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. The true attention, though, is frequently captured by the hypnotic stare of the scores of twisting gargoyles that appear to burst out of the exterior walls. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like primeval protectors of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven track. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, visitors walk towards a building that looks more like a barn from a distance. The building is primarily from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an earlier pre-Norman structure become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. Externally, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a characteristic perhaps intended to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, however, lies in its windows. Every single one were designed by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the site that he decided to design the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a serene setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this unique treasure is free.