🔗 Share this article

Across the continent, numerous churches stand as monuments of faith, history, and stunning artistry. From contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old havens, we present some of the most captivating ones recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable specimen of 20th-century design. The clean, graceful facade mirrors the nearby scenery and echoes traditional local huts. Inside, visitors will find possibly the most comfortable pews one could ever sit on. One stunning glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ may not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a profound sense of majesty. Exiting this impressive building following an musical performance to witness the aurora borealis dancing 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 grounds bursting with blooms and plants offer a spectacular panorama of the city. A graveyard there contains the grave of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely embodies the essence of a place of worship. While it would never compare to grander buildings, that is precisely the point. It has unobtrusively absorbed generations of belief. Sitting there evoked a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the solace such spaces can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italy's religious art, boasting stunning marble and massive domes. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, with an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

Below Essen in the municipality of this location rises one of the world's most breathtaking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows form a soaring, luminous interior of warmth that defies simple categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this tourist-free location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above the city, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque old town down to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a modest charge, you can climb the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable medieval structure and breathtaking 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 artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and faith of its creators. In the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace amidst a global conflict—an inspiring place to visit many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez dominates the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Perched high up above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic wonder has survived centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and soaring pillars, centered around a colossal organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. One's gaze, however, is often drawn to the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that appear to burst out of the outside walls. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Parking on a adjacent verge, you make their way towards a structure that resembles a farm building from a distance. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s remain in situ. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite unassuming—a feature perhaps intended to not attract suspicion during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is covered in luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, however, is its stained glass. All twelve were created by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the church that he offered to design the other panes, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent range of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this unique treasure is free.