🔗 Share this article

Across the continent, countless churches stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and breathtaking artistry. From contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old havens, here are some of the most remarkable examples recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking specimen of 20th-century architecture. Its simple, elegant facade mirrors the nearby landscape and evokes traditional local huts. Within, visitors will find what are arguably the most cozy church benches anyone could ever experience. One stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ may not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a profound sense of majesty. Leaving this magnificent building after an organ recital to see the northern lights dancing overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

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

Its gardens bursting with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular vista of the city. The cemetery on-site contains the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the essence of a place of worship. Although it cannot rival grander establishments, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed generations of faith. Being there evoked a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the comfort these places offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italian religious architecture, featuring exquisite stonework and massive domes. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an underground crypt, is brimming with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of the city of Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and dazzling stained glass form a lofty, light-filled space of welcome that challenges easy labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above the city, the cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the picturesque old town down to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a modest charge, you can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 12th-century building presents a varied schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key venue in Switzerland's most vibrant cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. In the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity amidst a global conflict—an inspiring site to see many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez towers over the skyline for miles in every direction. Perched high up overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, fortress-like Gothic wonder has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and towering pillars, all framing a massive pipe organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. One's gaze, however, is frequently captured by the hypnotic stare of the scores of twisting gargoyles that seem to burst out of the exterior walls. They seem less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet stands in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven track. Parking on a nearby verge, visitors make their way towards a building that resembles a barn from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an older pre-Norman church become visible. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in situ. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most magnificent churches anyone could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—a characteristic perhaps intended to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is covered in vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is truly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. Its true glory, though, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were created by the renowned artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a family's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the church that he decided to design the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a blissful sensation. Admission to this unique place is gratis.