🔗 Share this article

Throughout Europe, countless churches serve as testaments to belief, heritage, and stunning artistry. From contemporary creations to ancient sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most remarkable examples recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking specimen of modernist design. Its clean, graceful facade reflects the nearby landscape and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors will find what are arguably the most cozy pews one could hope to sit on. One breathtaking glass mosaic depicting Christ's Second Coming may not appeal to everyone, but it radiates a profound feeling of grandeur. Leaving the magnificent building following an musical performance to witness the aurora borealis flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

I never understood what visitors seek in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

The grounds bursting with blooms and plants offer a spectacular panorama over the city. A graveyard on-site holds the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the spirit of a place of worship. While it cannot rival grander establishments, that is precisely the point. For centuries, it has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of faith. Being there evoked a feeling greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the comfort such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, featuring exquisite marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, with an subterranean crypt, is brimming with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

Below the city of Essen in the town of this location rises one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a soaring, light-filled interior of welcome that challenges easy categorization as "cold". Adding to the appeal of this less-visited location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque historic centre down to the lake and the distant Alps. Admission to the cathedral is free, and for a small fee, visitors can ascend the spire. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice presents a diverse schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key venue in the nation's most vibrant cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a humbling encounter with the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders. In the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful space imbued with love and peace during a time of war—an inspiring place to see decades later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like medieval marvel has survived hundreds of years of history's tumult. Inside is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and towering pillars, centered around a massive pipe organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. One's attention, though, is often captured by the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of twisting grotesques that appear to burst out of the exterior walls. They seem less carved and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet stands in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a nearby verge, you make their way towards a building that resembles a barn from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 1200s, but within, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century remain in situ. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a characteristic perhaps designed to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable surface is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's true glory, however, lies in its windows. Every single one were designed by the celebrated artist Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's child. Chagall was so impressed by the church that he decided to create the other panes, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this unique treasure is gratis.