🔗 Share this article

Throughout the continent, countless cathedrals serve as testaments to faith, history, and stunning artistry. From modernist creations to ancient havens, we present a selection of the most captivating examples as shared by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking specimen of modernist architecture. The simple, elegant facade reflects the surrounding landscape and evokes historic local huts. Inside, guests can discover what are arguably the most comfortable pews one could ever experience. A stunning mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming may not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a powerful sense of grandeur. Leaving this magnificent structure after an musical performance to witness the northern lights dancing in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

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

Its grounds filled with blooms and plants provide a magnificent vista of the city. A graveyard on-site contains the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the essence of a church. While it would never compare to more ornate buildings, that is precisely the point. It has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of belief. Being there evoked a feeling greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the comfort such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italy's religious art, featuring stunning marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, with an subterranean crypt, is brimming with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

Below the city of Essen in the town of Neviges stands one of the world's most breathtaking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and stunning stained glass form a lofty, light-filled space of welcome that challenges simple categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible example of engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above the city, the cathedral commands views stretching from the charming historic centre all the way to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alpine peaks. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular views, this 12th-century building presents a varied programme of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most vibrant cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and faith of its creators. In the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity during a global conflict—an inspiring site to see decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez towers over the horizon for miles in every direction. Perched on a hill overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like medieval marvel has weathered hundreds of years of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and towering pillars, all framing a colossal pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by ages. One's gaze, however, is often drawn to the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of twisting gargoyles that seem to erupt from the exterior stonework. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough track. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, visitors make their way to a structure that looks more like a barn from a far away. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but within, evidence of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s remain in place. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—a characteristic perhaps designed to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, though, is its windows. All twelve were created by the celebrated artist Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a family's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the site that he offered to design the remaining panes, a work finished in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a serene environment is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this unique place is free.