🔗 Share this article

Across Europe, numerous churches serve as monuments of faith, history, and stunning artistry. From contemporary creations to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most captivating ones recommended by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking specimen of modernist design. The simple, elegant exterior mirrors the surrounding landscape and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Within, guests can discover possibly the most cozy pews anyone could hope to sit on. A breathtaking glass mosaic depicting Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a profound sense of grandeur. Leaving the impressive building following an organ recital to see the northern lights flickering in the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

I never understood what people find in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

Its gardens filled with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular panorama of the city. The cemetery on-site holds the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the spirit of a place of worship. Although it would never compare to grander buildings, that is exactly its charm. It has quietly absorbed generations of faith. Being there produced a sensation beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the comfort such spaces can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and narrow alleys, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime example of Italy's ecclesiastical art, boasting stunning marble and massive domes. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an underground crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in Germany

South of the city of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the world's most breathtaking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and stunning coloured windows create a lofty, light-filled space of warmth that defies simple categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the cathedral commands views stretching from the charming historic centre all the way to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century edifice presents a varied schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular venue in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and devotion of its creators. In the 1940s, at the request of the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades converted a pair of military huts into a chapel. From 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 visit many years on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Perched on a hill above the River Aveyron, this huge, fortress-like Gothic wonder has survived centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and towering pillars, centered around a colossal pipe organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. The true gaze, though, is often drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the scores of twisting gargoyles that appear to burst out of the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this striking church.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, visitors make their way to a structure that looks more like a farm building from a distance. The building is primarily from the 13th century, but within, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to 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 designed to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly breathtaking and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its true glory, though, lies in its windows. Every single one were designed by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's child. The artist was so impressed by the church that he decided to design the other panes, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling range of blues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a serene setting is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.