🔗 Share this article

Across Europe, numerous churches stand as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are some of the most remarkable ones as shared by discerning visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable example of 20th-century design. The simple, elegant exterior mirrors the surrounding landscape and evokes historic local huts. Inside, visitors can discover possibly the most cozy church benches one could hope to sit on. One breathtaking glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming may not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a powerful feeling of majesty. Exiting the magnificent building after an musical performance to see the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an unforgettable moment.

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 filled with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular vista of Nice. A graveyard there holds the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the essence of a church. While it would never compare to grander buildings, that is precisely the point. It has unobtrusively absorbed generations of faith. Being there produced a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a deep realization of the solace these places offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic example of Italian ecclesiastical art, boasting exquisite stonework and imposing cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque rotunda, with an subterranean vault, is overflowing with history and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

Below Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and dazzling stained glass form a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that challenges simple categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above the city, the cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the charming historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is free, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the bell tower. Aside from its impressive medieval structure and breathtaking views, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key venue in the nation's most vibrant cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling experience with the skill and devotion of its builders. During the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity during a time of war—an inspiring site to visit decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez towers over the horizon for miles around. Set high up overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like Gothic wonder has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, all framing a massive pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. The true attention, though, is often drawn to the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that seem to erupt from the outside walls. They look less carved and more fossilised, like ancient guardians of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet stands in a remote field, accessible only by a rough footpath. Parking on a nearby verge, you walk towards a structure that looks more like a barn from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an older pre-Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 18th century remain in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. Externally, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a characteristic perhaps designed to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, though, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the celebrated painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a local couple's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the church that he decided to design the other windows, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a serene environment is a profoundly calming sensation. Entry to this unique treasure is gratis.