🔗 Share this article

Across Europe, numerous churches stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, we present some of the most remarkable ones recommended by discerning travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable example of modernist architecture. The simple, elegant facade reflects the nearby scenery and echoes historic local huts. Inside, guests can discover possibly the most cozy pews anyone could ever experience. A stunning mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming may not appeal to everyone, but it exudes a profound sense of majesty. Exiting this impressive building following an musical performance to see the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an unforgettable moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

Its grounds bursting with blooms and plants provide a magnificent vista of the city. A graveyard on-site contains the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the spirit of a church. While it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Being there produced a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the comfort these places can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italy's ecclesiastical art, boasting stunning stonework and imposing cupolas. However, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, with an underground crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of the city of Essen in the town of this location rises one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows create a lofty, light-filled space of welcome that defies simple categorization as "cold". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free destination is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend from the charming historic centre down to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a modest charge, you can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 12th-century building hosts a diverse schedule of free performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a popular venue in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and devotion of its builders. During the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, artist Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they created a beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity amidst a global conflict—an uplifting place to see decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for miles in every direction. Set on a hill overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like Gothic wonder has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and towering columns, centered around a massive pipe organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. One's gaze, however, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the scores of twisting grotesques that seem to burst out of the outside stonework. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in Widford sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough track. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, visitors walk towards a building that looks more like a farm building from a far away. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but within, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century remain in place. The overall atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches anyone could imagine. Externally, the Nativity Church is quite unassuming—a feature perhaps designed to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, established in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, however, is its stained glass. Every single one were created by the renowned artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a local couple's daughter. The artist was so taken with the site that he decided to design the remaining panes, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Entry to this unique treasure is free.