🔗 Share this article

Across the continent, numerous churches serve as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. From contemporary creations to ancient sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most captivating ones as shared by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable specimen of modernist design. The simple, elegant exterior reflects the surrounding scenery and evokes historic local huts. Inside, visitors will find possibly the most comfortable pews one could hope to sit on. A stunning glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a powerful feeling of grandeur. Leaving the magnificent structure after an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

The gardens bursting with blooms and plants offer a spectacular vista over Nice. The cemetery on-site contains the resting place of artist Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely embodies the spirit of a place of worship. While it would never compare to more ornate establishments, that is precisely the point. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Sitting there evoked a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound realization of the solace such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italian ecclesiastical art, featuring stunning marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 12th century. This medieval round church, with an subterranean vault, is brimming with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches serve as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and dazzling stained glass create a lofty, luminous interior of welcome that challenges easy categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently above Lausanne, the cathedral commands views stretching from the charming old town down to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the cathedral is free, and for a small fee, visitors can ascend the spire. Aside from its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 12th-century edifice presents a varied programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and faith of its builders. In the 1940s, at the request of the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they created a beautiful sanctuary imbued with love and peace during a global conflict—an inspiring site to see decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Set high up overlooking the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like medieval marvel has survived hundreds of years of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and towering columns, all framing a colossal organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. The true gaze, however, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the scores of writhing grotesques that seem to burst out of the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, visitors make their way to a building that looks more like a barn from a distance. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an earlier Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century are still in situ. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is home to one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—a characteristic perhaps intended to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is covered in luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is structurally rather simple. The church's true glory, however, is its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the renowned painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a local couple's daughter. The artist was so taken with the church that he decided to design the remaining windows, a work completed in 1985. The windows showcase a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a blissful experience. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.