Travelers' Top Cathedrals in Europe: A Tour of Architectural Wonders

Across the continent, countless churches serve as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From modernist creations to centuries-old havens, here are a selection of the most remarkable examples as shared by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking specimen of modernist architecture. Its simple, elegant facade mirrors the surrounding scenery and evokes traditional local huts. Within, visitors can discover possibly the most comfortable pews one could ever sit on. A stunning mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming may not appeal to everyone, but it exudes a powerful sense of majesty. Leaving this magnificent structure following an organ recital to witness the northern lights dancing in the sky is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

Its gardens bursting with blooms and plants provide a magnificent vista of Nice. The cemetery there contains the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the essence of a place of worship. Although it would never compare to grander establishments, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up centuries of belief. Sitting there produced a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the solace such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italy's religious architecture, featuring stunning marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, including an underground vault, is overflowing with history and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as Mariendom, is a modernist triumph built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass form a lofty, luminous space of warmth that challenges simple categorization as "cold". Adding to the allure of this tourist-free location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral offers views stretching from the picturesque old town all the way to the lake and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the spire. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a varied schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular cultural hub in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Created by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and faith of its creators. During the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity amidst a global conflict—an uplifting place to visit many years on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Perched high up overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like medieval marvel has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and soaring pillars, all framing a colossal pipe organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. One's gaze, however, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the scores of twisting grotesques that seem to burst out of the exterior stonework. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval guardians of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford stands in a remote field, accessible only by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a nearby verge, visitors walk towards a building that looks more like a farm building from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an earlier pre-Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered medieval frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s remain in place. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a feature perhaps designed to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. Its true glory, though, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the celebrated artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's daughter. The artist was so taken with the site that he offered to design the remaining panes, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling range of blues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.