Travelers' Top Places of Worship in Europe: A Tour of Architectural Wonders

Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals serve as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From modernist masterpieces to ancient havens, here are a selection of the most remarkable examples as shared by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking example of 20th-century design. Its clean, graceful facade mirrors the nearby scenery and echoes traditional local huts. Inside, visitors can discover possibly the most comfortable pews one could hope to experience. One breathtaking glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Exiting this impressive building following an musical performance to see the aurora borealis flickering in the sky is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

I never understood what visitors seek in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

Its gardens bursting with blooms and plants provide a magnificent panorama of the city. A graveyard on-site contains the grave of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the spirit of a place of worship. Although it would never compare to grander establishments, that is exactly the point. It has unobtrusively soaked up generations of faith. Sitting there produced a sensation greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep realization of the solace such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italy's religious art, boasting stunning stonework and imposing cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, with an underground vault, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches serve as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

Below the city of Essen in the town of Neviges stands one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass create a soaring, luminous space of welcome that defies simple labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas stretching from the charming old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the cathedral is free, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the spire. Aside from its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century edifice presents a diverse schedule of free performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key venue in the nation's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. In the 1940s, at the request of the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace during a time of war—an uplifting site to see many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for miles in every direction. Perched on a hill overlooking the River Aveyron, this immense, castle-like Gothic wonder has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and towering columns, centered around a massive organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. The true gaze, however, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing stare of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that seem to burst out of the outside walls. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, you make their way to a building that looks more like a farm building from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 18th century remain in place. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite unassuming—a feature possibly designed to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The result is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. Its remarkable feature, though, lies in its windows. All twelve were created by the renowned painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's daughter. The artist was so taken with the site that he decided to create the other windows, a work finished in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a blissful experience. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is free.