🔗 Share this article

Across the continent, numerous churches stand as testaments to faith, history, and stunning artistry. From modernist creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most captivating examples recommended by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking specimen of 20th-century design. The clean, graceful exterior mirrors the nearby landscape and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, visitors will find what are arguably the most cozy church benches one could ever sit on. One stunning mural of glass depicting the Return of Christ may not appeal to everyone, but it exudes a profound sense of majesty. Exiting this impressive building after an organ recital to see the northern lights dancing overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

Its grounds bursting with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent panorama over Nice. A graveyard on-site holds the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely embodies the essence of a church. While it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is precisely the point. It has unobtrusively absorbed generations of faith. Being there produced a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep realization of the comfort these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italy's ecclesiastical art, featuring stunning marble and imposing domes. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, with an underground crypt, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows form a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that defies simple categorization as "cold". Adding to the allure of this less-visited location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above the city, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque historic centre all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alps. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the spire. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular venue in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace 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. In the 1940s, following a plea from the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a beautiful space imbued with love and peace amidst a time of war—an inspiring place to see decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres around. Set high up above the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-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, centered around a colossal organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by ages. One's attention, though, is often drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the scores of twisting grotesques that seem to burst out of the exterior stonework. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this beautiful church.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, you make their way to a building that resembles a farm building from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but within, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 18th century remain in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a feature possibly designed to not attract attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. Its remarkable feature, however, is its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the renowned painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a local couple's child. The artist was so impressed by the church that he decided to design the other panes, a work completed in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful environment is a profoundly calming sensation. Entry to this extraordinary place is free.