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

Across Europe, numerous cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable examples as shared by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable example of modernist design. The simple, elegant facade reflects the surrounding landscape and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Inside, visitors can discover what are arguably the most cozy pews one could hope to sit on. A stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a powerful feeling of grandeur. Exiting this magnificent structure after an musical performance to see the northern lights flickering overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

The grounds bursting with blooms and plants provide a magnificent panorama of the city. A graveyard there holds the resting place of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the essence of a church. While it cannot rival grander buildings, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has unobtrusively soaked up centuries of faith. Being there produced a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the comfort such spaces can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime example of Italian religious art, boasting exquisite marble and imposing cupolas. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This medieval round church, including an underground crypt, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

Below the city of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a modernist triumph built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and stunning stained glass create a soaring, luminous space of warmth that defies simple labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this tourist-free location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above Lausanne, the cathedral commands views that extend from the picturesque old town all the way to the lake and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, you can climb the spire. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and spectacular views, this 800-year-old building presents a varied programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular venue in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling encounter with the skill and faith of its builders. In the 1940s, following a plea from the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful sanctuary full of hope and serenity during a time of war—an inspiring place to visit many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Perched on a hill above the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like medieval wonder has survived centuries of history's tumult. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and towering columns, all framing a massive pipe organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. One's attention, though, is often drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the hundreds of twisting grotesques that seem to erupt from the outside walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough track. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, visitors walk to a building that resembles a barn from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in situ. The overall atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a feature possibly designed to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable surface is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. The church's true glory, though, is its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the celebrated painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the church that he decided to design the remaining panes, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent range of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this extraordinary place is free.