🔗 Share this article

Throughout Europe, countless churches serve as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning artistry. From contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most captivating examples as shared by discerning visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking specimen of 20th-century design. The simple, elegant facade mirrors the nearby landscape and evokes traditional local huts. Inside, guests can discover what are arguably the most cozy pews one could ever experience. A stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ might not be for all tastes, but it exudes a powerful feeling of grandeur. Leaving this impressive structure following an musical performance to witness the northern lights dancing overhead is an unforgettable moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

Its grounds bursting with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular panorama of Nice. A graveyard on-site holds the resting place of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely embodies the spirit of a church. While it would never compare to more ornate establishments, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Being there evoked a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the solace these places can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italian religious architecture, featuring exquisite marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, including an subterranean vault, is brimming with history and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

South of Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows form a lofty, light-filled space of warmth that challenges easy categorization as "cold". Adding to the appeal of this less-visited location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing example of engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers views stretching from the picturesque historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the cathedral is free, and for a modest charge, you can climb the spire. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and spectacular views, this 800-year-old building presents a varied schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key venue in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

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, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity during a global conflict—an uplifting site to visit decades later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez dominates the horizon for miles in every direction. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like Gothic marvel has survived hundreds of years of history's tumult. Inside is a awe-inspiring space of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a colossal organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. The true attention, however, is often captured by the mesmerizing leer of the scores of twisting grotesques that seem to erupt from the exterior stonework. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford sits in a remote field, accessible only by a uneven track. 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 mostly from the 1200s, but within, traces of an older pre-Norman church become visible. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s are still in situ. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches one could encounter. Externally, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a feature possibly intended to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. The church's true glory, however, is its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the celebrated painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's child. Chagall was so taken with the site that he decided to create the other windows, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this unique place is free.