🔗 Share this article

Throughout Europe, numerous cathedrals serve as monuments of faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from contemporary creations to ancient havens, here are a selection of the most remarkable ones recommended by discerning visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable example of 20th-century architecture. The simple, elegant exterior mirrors the nearby scenery and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors can discover what are arguably the most comfortable church benches one could hope to experience. One stunning glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming might not be for all tastes, but it exudes a profound feeling of majesty. Leaving the magnificent building after an musical performance to see the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas 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 changed that.

Its grounds filled with flowers and herbs offer a magnificent vista of the city. A graveyard on-site contains the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the spirit of a church. While it would never compare to grander establishments, that is exactly the point. It has unobtrusively soaked up generations of faith. Sitting there produced a feeling greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the comfort these places can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic example of Italian religious art, featuring exquisite stonework and massive cupolas. However, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque rotunda, including an underground crypt, is overflowing with history and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of the city of Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and dazzling stained glass form a soaring, luminous interior of welcome that challenges easy categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited destination is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers views that extend from the charming historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alps. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 12th-century building presents a varied programme of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in the nation's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and devotion of its creators. In the Second World War, following a plea from the chaplain, artist Chiocchetti and his comrades converted a pair of military huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they created a profoundly beautiful space full of hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an inspiring place to see many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for miles in every direction. Set high up overlooking the River Aveyron, this immense, castle-like medieval marvel has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and soaring columns, centered around a massive organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. One's attention, though, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing leer of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that seem to erupt from the exterior stonework. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet stands in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Parking on a nearby verge, visitors make their way to a building that resembles a farm building from a distance. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a characteristic possibly designed to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, though, lies in its windows. Every single one were designed by the celebrated artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the site that he offered to design the remaining windows, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Admission to this unique treasure is free.