🔗 Share this article

Across the continent, countless cathedrals stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. From contemporary creations to centuries-old havens, we present some of the most captivating ones as shared by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking example of modernist design. The simple, elegant facade reflects the surrounding landscape and echoes traditional local huts. Inside, guests will find possibly the most comfortable church benches one could ever sit on. One breathtaking mural of glass depicting the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a powerful sense of majesty. Leaving this magnificent building following an organ recital to witness the northern lights dancing in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

The grounds bursting with blooms and plants provide a magnificent panorama of the city. A graveyard on-site holds the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the spirit of a church. Although it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has unobtrusively soaked up generations of belief. Being there evoked a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the comfort these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italian ecclesiastical architecture, featuring stunning marble and imposing domes. However, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 12th century. This medieval round church, with an underground crypt, is brimming with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

Below Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the world's most breathtaking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and dazzling stained glass form a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that defies easy categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers views stretching from the picturesque historic centre down to the lake and the distant Alps. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century building hosts a varied programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a humbling encounter with the craftsmanship and faith of its builders. In the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted a pair of military huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful space full of love and peace amidst a global conflict—an uplifting place to visit decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Perched high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, fortress-like medieval wonder has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and soaring pillars, centered around a massive organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. The true gaze, however, is often drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the scores of twisting gargoyles that seem to erupt from the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a rough track. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, you make their way towards a structure that resembles a barn from a distance. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but within, traces of an older pre-Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 18th century remain in situ. The overall atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a feature perhaps intended to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. The church's true glory, though, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a local couple's daughter. The artist was so taken with the church that he decided to create the other panes, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Admission to this extraordinary place is gratis.