🔗 Share this article

Across Europe, countless churches stand as monuments of faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to centuries-old sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most remarkable examples as shared by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable example of modernist architecture. The simple, elegant facade reflects the surrounding landscape and echoes traditional local huts. Inside, guests can discover what are arguably the most comfortable pews one could hope to sit on. A breathtaking glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming may not be for all tastes, but it radiates a powerful sense of majesty. Exiting this magnificent building after an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

For a long time, I didn't grasp what people find in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

The grounds bursting with flowers and herbs offer a magnificent panorama of the city. A graveyard there contains the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the spirit of a church. Although it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is precisely its charm. For centuries, it has unobtrusively absorbed generations of belief. Sitting there evoked a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the solace such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches 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 religious architecture, featuring exquisite stonework and imposing cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, including an subterranean crypt, is brimming with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

Below the city of Essen in the town of this location rises one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and dazzling stained glass form a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that challenges simple categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend from the charming old town down to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a varied programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular venue in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. In the Second World War, following a plea from the chaplain, artist Chiocchetti and his comrades converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they created a beautiful sanctuary full of hope and serenity during a global conflict—an uplifting site to visit decades on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for miles in every direction. Perched high up above the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like Gothic wonder has survived centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and soaring pillars, centered around a massive pipe organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. The true attention, however, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the scores of twisting grotesques that appear to burst out of the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Parking on a adjacent verge, visitors walk to a structure that looks more like a barn from a far away. The building is primarily from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a feature possibly designed to avoid 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 adorned with vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. Its true glory, however, is its windows. Every single one were designed by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's child. The artist was so taken with the site that he offered to create the remaining panes, a work finished in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a blissful experience. Admission to this unique place is gratis.