🔗 Share this article

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

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable example of 20th-century architecture. Its clean, graceful facade reflects the nearby scenery and evokes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors can discover possibly the most cozy church benches one could ever experience. A stunning mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming might not be for everyone, but it radiates a powerful sense of majesty. Exiting the impressive building following an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

The grounds filled with blooms and plants provide a magnificent panorama of the city. The cemetery there holds the resting place of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely embodies the essence of a place of worship. While it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is exactly its charm. It has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of belief. Being there produced a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep realization of the solace such spaces can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime example of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, boasting stunning stonework and imposing domes. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, including an underground crypt, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's two main churches serve as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

South of Essen in the municipality of Neviges stands one of the planet's most breathtaking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and dazzling stained glass form a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that defies easy labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited destination is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing example of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high above the city, the cathedral commands views stretching from the charming historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can climb the bell tower. Aside from its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 800-year-old building presents a varied programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key cultural hub in the nation's most lively artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and faith of its builders. During the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. Using scraps of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful sanctuary full of hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an inspiring site to see decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Set on a hill above the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like medieval marvel has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and soaring pillars, all framing a colossal organ. Its intricately carved seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. One's gaze, though, is frequently captured by the hypnotic stare of the scores of twisting grotesques that appear to burst out of the outside stonework. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, visitors walk towards a structure that resembles a barn from a distance. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of medieval frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in situ. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—a characteristic possibly designed to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The effect is truly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. Its remarkable feature, however, is its stained glass. Every single one were created by the celebrated painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a local couple's child. The artist was so impressed by the site that he offered to create the other panes, a work finished in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful experience. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is free.