🔗 Share this article

Throughout Europe, numerous cathedrals stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to ancient havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable examples as shared by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable example of 20th-century architecture. Its clean, graceful exterior mirrors the surrounding scenery and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors can discover what are arguably the most comfortable pews anyone could ever sit on. One breathtaking glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming might not be for everyone, but it radiates a profound feeling of majesty. Leaving this impressive structure following an musical performance to see the northern lights dancing in the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

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

The grounds filled with blooms and plants provide a magnificent panorama of Nice. The cemetery on-site holds the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the spirit of a church. While it cannot rival grander buildings, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Sitting there evoked a feeling greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep realization of the solace such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime example of Italian religious art, featuring stunning marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, including an subterranean vault, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

South of the city of Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the planet's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and stunning stained glass create a soaring, light-filled space of warmth that defies simple categorization as "brutalist". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral offers views that extend from the charming historic centre all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can ascend the spire. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century edifice presents a diverse programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key venue in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and faith of its creators. During the 1940s, at the request of the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful space full of love and peace amidst a global conflict—an uplifting site to visit many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Set on a hill overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like medieval wonder has survived centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and towering columns, all framing a massive organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. One's gaze, however, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the scores of twisting gargoyles that seem to erupt from the outside stonework. They look less sculpted and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough track. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, visitors walk to a building that looks more like a barn from a distance. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an earlier pre-Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century remain in place. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a feature perhaps intended to not attract attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is adorned with vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, though, is its windows. Every single one were designed by the celebrated painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a family's daughter. The artist was so taken with the church that he offered to create the remaining panes, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork showcase a magnificent range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this extraordinary place is gratis.