🔗 Share this article

Throughout the continent, countless churches stand as monuments of faith, history, and stunning artistry. Ranging from modernist creations to ancient sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most remarkable ones recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable example of modernist design. The simple, elegant exterior mirrors the surrounding landscape and evokes historic local huts. Inside, guests can discover what are arguably the most comfortable church benches one could ever experience. One stunning glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ might not be for all tastes, but it radiates a profound feeling of majesty. Leaving this magnificent building following an organ recital to see the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

Its gardens filled with blooms and plants provide a spectacular vista of the city. The cemetery on-site contains the resting place of artist Henri 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 exactly its charm. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up centuries of faith. Being there evoked a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the comfort these places can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime example of Italy's religious art, boasting stunning stonework and massive domes. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, with an underground vault, is overflowing with history and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and stunning stained glass create a soaring, light-filled interior of welcome that challenges simple categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above the city, the cathedral commands views stretching from the charming old town down to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular views, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a varied schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a humbling encounter 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. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace amidst a global conflict—an inspiring site to see many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for miles around. Set on a hill overlooking the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic wonder has survived hundreds of years of history's tumult. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a colossal pipe organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. The true gaze, however, is often captured by the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that appear to erupt from the outside stonework. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like primeval protectors of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough track. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, visitors make their way towards a building that resembles a farm building from a distance. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but within, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 18th century are still in place. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—a characteristic possibly designed to not attract suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, though, lies in its windows. All twelve were designed by the celebrated artist Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a family's child. The artist was so taken with the church that he decided to create the other windows, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Admission to this unique place is free.