🔗 Share this article Travelers' Beloved Churches in the Continent: A Tour of Spiritual Wonders Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals stand as monuments of faith, history, and stunning artistry. From contemporary masterpieces to ancient havens, here are some of the most captivating ones recommended by discerning travelers. A Modernist Delight in Norway Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking example of 20th-century architecture. The simple, elegant exterior mirrors the nearby landscape and evokes traditional local huts. Within, guests can discover what are arguably the most comfortable church benches anyone could ever sit on. One breathtaking mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming might not be for all tastes, but it exudes a powerful feeling of grandeur. Exiting this magnificent building after an organ recital to see the northern lights dancing in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience. Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France For a long time, I didn't grasp what people find in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that. The gardens bursting with flowers and herbs offer a magnificent panorama of the city. The cemetery on-site contains the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly captures the spirit of a church. Although it would never compare to more ornate buildings, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has unobtrusively absorbed generations of belief. Being there evoked a sensation beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep realization of the solace such spaces offer. Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italy's religious architecture, featuring exquisite marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This medieval round church, including an underground vault, is brimming with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution. A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany South of the city of Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a modernist triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass create a lofty, light-filled interior of warmth that defies easy labels as "brutalist". Adding to the appeal of this less-visited location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of transport engineering. Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral Perched high above the city, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend from the charming historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alpine peaks. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a small fee, you can climb the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and breathtaking views, this 800-year-old building hosts a varied programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular cultural hub 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 experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. In the 1940s, following a plea from the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted a pair of military huts into a chapel. From leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity during a global conflict—an uplifting site to visit decades on. Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez towers over the skyline for miles in every direction. Perched high up above the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like medieval wonder has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and towering pillars, centered around a colossal pipe organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. One's gaze, though, is frequently captured by the hypnotic leer of the scores of twisting grotesques that seem to burst out of the exterior walls. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking church. Hidden History in an English Meadow The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits in a remote field, accessible only by a uneven footpath. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, visitors walk to a structure that looks more like a barn from a far away. The building is primarily from the 13th century, but inside, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s remain in place. The overall atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness. An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria Arbanasi, near the historic city, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a characteristic perhaps designed to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly overwhelming and immersive. Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England The small church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, however, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the celebrated painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a local couple's child. Chagall was so taken with the site that he offered to create the remaining panes, a work completed in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a serene setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this extraordinary place is gratis.