🔗 Share this article

Across the continent, countless cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. From modernist masterpieces to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable ones recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable example of 20th-century architecture. Its clean, graceful facade mirrors the surrounding landscape and evokes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors can discover what are arguably the most cozy pews anyone could ever experience. One breathtaking glass mosaic depicting Christ's Second Coming might not be for all tastes, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Exiting the magnificent building after an musical performance to see the aurora borealis flickering in the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

Its grounds filled with blooms and plants offer a spectacular vista over Nice. A graveyard there holds the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the essence of a church. While it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is exactly the point. It has unobtrusively soaked up generations of belief. Sitting there produced a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the comfort these places offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Nestled within a maze of squares and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic example of Italy's religious art, featuring stunning marble and massive domes. Yet, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This medieval round church, including an subterranean crypt, is brimming with historical charm and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the world's most breathtaking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of raw concrete and stunning stained glass form a soaring, luminous space of welcome that defies easy categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently overlooking Lausanne, the cathedral offers views stretching from the picturesque historic centre all the way to the lake and the far-off Alps. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice presents a diverse schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular venue in Switzerland's most vibrant cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. During the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they created a beautiful space imbued with love and peace amidst a time of war—an uplifting site to see many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres around. Perched on a hill above the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like Gothic wonder has survived centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and soaring pillars, centered around a massive organ. The intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. The true attention, however, is often drawn to the hypnotic leer of the scores of writhing gargoyles that seem to erupt from the exterior stonework. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in Widford sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, you make their way to a building that resembles a farm building from a far away. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but within, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered medieval frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s remain in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could encounter. Externally, the Nativity Church is quite unassuming—a characteristic perhaps designed to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is covered in vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, though, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were created by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's child. The artist was so taken with the church that he offered to create the remaining windows, a task completed in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Entry to this unique place is free.