🔗 Share this article

Across Europe, numerous cathedrals stand as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From modernist masterpieces to centuries-old havens, here are some of the most remarkable ones as shared by knowledgeable visitors.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking example of 20th-century design. Its clean, graceful facade mirrors the surrounding scenery and evokes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors can discover possibly the most comfortable church benches anyone could hope to sit on. One stunning glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to everyone, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Leaving this magnificent structure after an musical performance to see the northern lights flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

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

Its grounds bursting with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular vista of the city. The cemetery there holds the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the essence of a church. While it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is precisely its charm. It has quietly soaked up centuries of belief. Sitting there produced a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the solace such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a classic illustration of Italian religious art, boasting exquisite stonework and massive cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an subterranean vault, is brimming with historical charm and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the planet's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a modernist triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and stunning stained glass create a lofty, luminous space of warmth that challenges easy categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high above the city, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the charming historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Entry to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old building hosts a diverse programme of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key venue in Switzerland's most vibrant cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and devotion of its creators. During the 1940s, at the request of the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they created a profoundly beautiful space imbued with love and peace amidst a global conflict—an inspiring site to visit many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for miles around. Perched high up above the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like medieval marvel has survived centuries of history's tumult. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and soaring columns, all framing a colossal pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. One's attention, though, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic stare of the scores of twisting grotesques that appear to erupt from the outside walls. They look less sculpted and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough track. Parking on a nearby grass verge, visitors make their way to a structure that resembles a farm building from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s remain in situ. The overall atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a characteristic perhaps intended to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous religious icons and biblical scenes. The effect is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. The church's true glory, though, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's child. The artist was so taken with the site that he decided to design the remaining panes, a task completed in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a blissful sensation. Entry to this extraordinary place is gratis.