🔗 Share this article

Across the continent, countless churches stand as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most captivating ones recommended by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable example of modernist architecture. The simple, elegant facade mirrors the nearby landscape and evokes historic local huts. Within, visitors can discover what are arguably the most comfortable pews anyone could ever sit on. One breathtaking glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ might not appeal to everyone, but it exudes a powerful sense of majesty. Leaving the magnificent building following an musical performance to witness the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

The grounds bursting with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular panorama over Nice. A graveyard on-site holds the grave of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the spirit of a church. While it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is precisely its charm. It has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of belief. Sitting there evoked a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the comfort these places can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italian religious art, featuring stunning stonework and massive domes. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This medieval round church, with an underground vault, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

Below the city of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the world's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of concrete and dazzling stained glass create a lofty, light-filled interior of welcome that defies easy labels as "cold". Adding to the allure of this tourist-free destination is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible example of engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above the city, the Gothic cathedral commands views that extend from the charming historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is free, and for a small fee, you can climb the spire. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century edifice presents a diverse programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key venue in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by WWII Detainees

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and devotion of its builders. In the 1940s, following a plea from the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace amidst a global conflict—an inspiring place to visit decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the skyline for miles in every direction. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like medieval wonder has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and soaring columns, all framing a massive organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. The true gaze, however, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of twisting grotesques that seem to burst out of the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits in a remote field, accessible only by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a nearby verge, you walk towards a building that looks more like a farm building from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 13th century, but inside, evidence of an earlier Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a feature perhaps intended to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is covered in vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its true glory, though, lies in its windows. Every single one were created by the celebrated painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a family's child. The artist was so impressed by the church that he decided to design the other windows, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this extraordinary place is free.