🔗 Share this article

Throughout Europe, countless churches stand as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist creations to centuries-old havens, here are some of the most remarkable examples recommended by discerning visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking specimen of modernist design. Its simple, elegant facade reflects the surrounding scenery and evokes traditional local huts. Within, visitors can discover what are arguably the most comfortable church benches one could hope to experience. A stunning glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ may not be for everyone, but it radiates a profound sense of majesty. Leaving this magnificent building after an organ recital to witness the northern lights dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

I never understood what visitors seek in churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

The grounds bursting with blooms and plants offer a magnificent vista over Nice. A graveyard there contains the resting place of artist Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely embodies the spirit of a place of worship. While it cannot rival grander buildings, that is exactly its charm. It has unobtrusively soaked up generations of belief. Sitting there produced a feeling greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep realization of the comfort such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italian ecclesiastical architecture, featuring exquisite marble and imposing domes. However, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This medieval round church, including an underground crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches serve as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the town of Neviges stands one of the planet's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a soaring, luminous interior of welcome that defies easy categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral commands views that extend from the charming old town down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a modest charge, you can climb the spire. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 800-year-old building presents a varied schedule of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. During the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary full of hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an inspiring place to visit many years on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

The pink sandstone cathedral in Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Set high up above the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like medieval marvel has weathered centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and towering columns, all framing a colossal pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. One's gaze, though, is often drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the scores of twisting grotesques that seem to erupt from the exterior walls. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, visitors make their way towards a structure that looks more like a barn from a distance. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but within, evidence of an older pre-Norman structure become visible. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could encounter. Externally, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a characteristic possibly intended to not attract suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is covered in vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. Its true glory, though, is its stained glass. All twelve were created by the celebrated artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's child. Chagall was so impressed by the site that he decided to design the remaining panes, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent spectrum of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Admission to this unique treasure is gratis.