🔗 Share this article

Across the continent, countless cathedrals serve as monuments of faith, history, and stunning artistry. Ranging from contemporary creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are some of the most captivating examples recommended by discerning visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable example of 20th-century architecture. The clean, graceful facade reflects the surrounding landscape and evokes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors will find possibly the most comfortable pews one could ever sit on. One stunning glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming may not be for everyone, but it exudes a powerful feeling of grandeur. Leaving the impressive structure following an organ recital to see the northern lights dancing in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

Its grounds bursting with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent vista over Nice. A graveyard there holds the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly captures the essence of a church. While it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is exactly the point. It has unobtrusively absorbed generations of belief. Being there evoked a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the solace these places can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime example of Italian ecclesiastical architecture, featuring exquisite marble and imposing cupolas. However, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This medieval round church, with an underground crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a perfect snapshot of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a modernist triumph built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows form a soaring, light-filled space of warmth that challenges easy categorization as "cold". Adding to the allure of this less-visited destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral commands views stretching from the charming historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alpine peaks. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the bell tower. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 12th-century edifice hosts a varied programme of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, making it a popular venue in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Created by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and faith of its builders. In the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they created a profoundly beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity during a time of war—an uplifting place to see decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres around. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like Gothic marvel has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of vaulted ceilings and towering columns, all framing a colossal organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. One's gaze, though, is often drawn to the hypnotic leer of the scores of writhing gargoyles that seem to erupt from the outside stonework. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, visitors make their way to a building that looks more like a barn from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 18th century are still in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a feature perhaps intended to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. Its remarkable feature, though, is its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a local couple's child. The artist was so impressed by the church that he offered to design the other windows, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this extraordinary place is free.