Throughout the continent, countless churches serve as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to centuries-old havens, here are a selection of the most remarkable ones recommended by knowledgeable travelers.
A Modernist Delight in Norway
Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking example of 20th-century architecture. The clean, graceful exterior reflects the nearby scenery and echoes traditional local huts. Within, guests can discover what are arguably the most cozy pews anyone could ever sit on. A stunning mural of glass depicting the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a profound sense of grandeur. Leaving this magnificent structure following an musical performance to witness the northern lights dancing in the sky is an unforgettable moment.
Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera
I never understood what people find in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.
The gardens filled with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular vista of the city. The cemetery there holds the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the essence of a place of worship. While it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is exactly its charm. It has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Sitting there produced a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the comfort such spaces can provide.
Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy
Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italy's religious architecture, featuring exquisite marble and massive cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, with an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.
A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany
Below Essen in the municipality of this location stands one of the planet's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of concrete and dazzling stained glass create a soaring, luminous interior of welcome that challenges easy labels as "brutalist". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of transport engineering.
Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral
Perched high overlooking the city, the cathedral commands views stretching from the picturesque historic centre down to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the spire. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old building hosts a varied schedule of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key venue in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.
An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War
Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. During the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. From scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they created a profoundly beautiful sanctuary full of hope and serenity amidst a global conflict—an inspiring place to see many years later.
The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France
The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Set high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, fortress-like Gothic wonder has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of vaulted ceilings and towering pillars, all framing a colossal pipe organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. One's gaze, however, is often captured by the mesmerizing leer of the hundreds of twisting grotesques that appear to erupt from the outside walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking basilica.
Hidden History in an English Meadow
The church of St Oswald in Widford stands in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, visitors make their way to a building that resembles a barn from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 13th century, but within, evidence of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 18th century remain in place. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.
A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria
The village, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a feature perhaps intended to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The effect is truly breathtaking and immersive.
Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside
The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, though, lies in its windows. Every single one were created by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a family's child. The artist was so taken with the church that he decided to design the remaining panes, a task completed in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful setting is a blissful experience. Admission to this unique place is free.
