🔗 Share this article

Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals serve as testaments to belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. From contemporary creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, we present some of the most captivating examples as shared by discerning travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable specimen of 20th-century architecture. The simple, elegant facade reflects the nearby landscape and evokes historic Sami dwellings. Within, guests can discover what are arguably the most comfortable church benches anyone could ever experience. A breathtaking glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ may not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a powerful feeling of majesty. Exiting the impressive building following an organ recital to see the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

I never understood what visitors seek in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

The grounds filled with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular panorama of Nice. The cemetery on-site holds the resting place of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the essence of a place of worship. While it would never compare to grander buildings, that is exactly its charm. It has quietly absorbed generations of belief. Sitting there evoked a feeling greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the solace such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a classic illustration of Italian religious art, boasting stunning stonework and massive domes. However, the true highlight of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, including an subterranean vault, is brimming with history and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

Below Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the planet's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and stunning stained glass form a soaring, light-filled interior of welcome that defies easy labels as "brutalist". Adding to the allure of this tourist-free location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers views that extend from the charming historic centre all the way to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can ascend the spire. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a varied programme of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular venue in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling encounter with the skill and faith of its creators. During the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they created a profoundly beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace amidst a time of war—an inspiring place to visit many years on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for miles around. Set high up above the Aveyron River, this immense, fortress-like medieval wonder has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and towering pillars, centered around a colossal pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. The true gaze, though, is often captured by the hypnotic stare of the scores of twisting grotesques that appear to burst out of the exterior stonework. They look less carved and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough track. Parking on a adjacent verge, visitors make their way towards a building that looks more like a farm building from a far away. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but within, traces of an older pre-Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century are still in situ. The overall atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a feature possibly intended to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is adorned with luminous religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is truly overwhelming and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, however, is its stained glass. Every single one were created by the celebrated painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a local couple's daughter. The artist was so taken with the site that he decided to design the other panes, a task completed in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this unique treasure is gratis.