🔗 Share this article

Across the continent, numerous churches serve as testaments to faith, history, and stunning artistry. From modernist masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most remarkable ones recommended by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking specimen of modernist design. Its simple, elegant facade mirrors the surrounding scenery and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, visitors can discover possibly the most comfortable pews one could hope to sit on. One stunning glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to everyone, but it radiates a powerful sense of grandeur. Exiting this magnificent building after an organ recital to see the northern lights flickering overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

For a long time, I didn't grasp what people find in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

The gardens filled with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular panorama over the city. The cemetery there contains the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the essence of a church. Although it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is precisely the point. For centuries, it has unobtrusively soaked up generations of faith. Being there evoked a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound realization of the comfort these places offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of squares and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italian religious architecture, featuring exquisite marble and imposing domes. Yet, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, including an underground vault, is overflowing with history and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

South of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a soaring, luminous interior of warmth that challenges easy categorization as "brutalist". Adding to the allure of this less-visited destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the picturesque historic centre down to the lake and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, visitors can ascend the spire. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old building hosts a diverse schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by WWII Detainees

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling encounter with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. In the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they created a beautiful sanctuary full of hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an uplifting place to see many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres around. Set high up above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic marvel has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and soaring columns, centered around a colossal organ. The intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. The true gaze, though, is often drawn to the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that seem to burst out of the outside walls. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a rough footpath. Parking on a nearby verge, visitors walk towards a structure that looks more like a farm building from a distance. The building is primarily from the 13th century, but within, evidence of an earlier pre-Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s remain in place. The overall effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a characteristic perhaps designed to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's true glory, however, lies in its windows. All twelve were created by the renowned artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a local couple's child. The artist was so taken with the site that he decided to design the remaining windows, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent range of blues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a blissful sensation. Entry to this unique treasure is free.