🔗 Share this article

Across the continent, countless cathedrals stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Ranging from contemporary creations to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable ones as shared by discerning visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking example of modernist design. Its clean, graceful exterior mirrors the nearby scenery and echoes historic local huts. Inside, guests can discover possibly the most cozy pews anyone could hope to experience. One breathtaking glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ may not be for all tastes, but it radiates a powerful sense of grandeur. Leaving the magnificent building following an organ recital to see the northern lights dancing overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

The gardens bursting with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular vista of Nice. A graveyard there contains the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly captures the spirit of a place of worship. Although it cannot rival grander buildings, that is precisely its charm. It has quietly absorbed generations of belief. Being there produced a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the comfort such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a classic illustration of Italian ecclesiastical architecture, featuring stunning stonework and imposing cupolas. However, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, including an underground vault, is brimming with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the municipality of Neviges stands one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a lofty, light-filled space of welcome that defies easy labels as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited destination is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high above the city, the cathedral commands views stretching from the charming old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alps. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 12th-century building presents a diverse programme of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a popular venue in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders. During the 1940s, following a plea from the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace amidst a global conflict—an uplifting place to visit decades on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres around. Perched high up above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic marvel has weathered hundreds of years of history's tumult. Inside is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and towering columns, all framing a colossal pipe organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. The true gaze, however, is often captured by the mesmerizing stare of the scores of writhing gargoyles that appear to burst out of the outside walls. They look less carved and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, you make their way towards a structure that resembles a farm building from a far away. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but within, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church can be seen. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 18th century remain in situ. The overall effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—a characteristic perhaps designed to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. Its remarkable feature, however, lies in its windows. Every single one were designed by the celebrated painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the church that he offered to design the remaining panes, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this extraordinary place is gratis.