🔗 Share this article

Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning artistry. Ranging from contemporary creations to ancient havens, here are a selection of the most captivating ones as shared by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable example of modernist architecture. Its clean, graceful facade reflects the surrounding scenery and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Within, guests can discover possibly the most comfortable pews anyone could ever experience. One stunning mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming may not be for all tastes, but it radiates a powerful feeling of majesty. Exiting the impressive building following an organ recital to see the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

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

Its gardens filled with blooms and plants provide a magnificent vista over the city. The cemetery there holds the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely embodies the spirit of a place of worship. While it would never compare to more ornate establishments, that is precisely its charm. It has quietly absorbed centuries of belief. Sitting there produced a sensation beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound realization of the comfort such spaces can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italian ecclesiastical architecture, featuring exquisite stonework and imposing cupolas. However, the true highlight of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 12th century. This medieval round church, including an underground crypt, is brimming with history and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

South of the city of Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows form a lofty, light-filled space of warmth that challenges simple categorization as "cold". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral offers views that extend from the picturesque historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Entry to the church is free, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the spire. Beyond its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular views, this 12th-century edifice presents a varied programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key venue in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the skill and faith of its builders. During the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they created a beautiful space imbued with love and peace amidst a global conflict—an inspiring site to visit decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for miles in every direction. Set high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like Gothic marvel has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, all framing a massive pipe organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. One's gaze, though, is often drawn to the hypnotic leer of the scores of writhing grotesques that appear to burst out of the exterior stonework. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval guardians of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Parking on a nearby verge, visitors make their way to 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 church can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 18th century are still in place. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches anyone could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a characteristic possibly intended to not attract attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's true glory, however, is its windows. All twelve were designed by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the church that he decided to create the other windows, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful setting is a blissful experience. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is free.