Readers' Favourite Cathedrals in Europe: A Tour of Architectural Wonders

Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist creations to centuries-old havens, here are some of the most remarkable examples recommended by discerning visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking specimen of 20th-century architecture. Its clean, graceful exterior mirrors the surrounding scenery and evokes historic Sami dwellings. Inside, guests can discover what are arguably the most cozy pews one could ever experience. One breathtaking mural of glass depicting the Return of Christ may not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a powerful feeling of grandeur. Leaving this magnificent structure after an organ recital to see the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

I never understood what people find in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

Its gardens bursting with blooms and plants offer a spectacular panorama of the city. The cemetery on-site holds the resting place of artist Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the essence of a church. Although it would never compare to more ornate buildings, that is precisely the point. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up centuries of belief. Being there produced a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the solace such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of squares and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a classic illustration of Italian ecclesiastical architecture, boasting exquisite marble and imposing domes. However, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, with an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

Below Essen in the town of Neviges stands one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows form a lofty, light-filled interior of warmth that defies easy labels as "brutalist". Adding to the allure of this less-visited location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral commands views stretching from the picturesque old town down to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, you can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 800-year-old building hosts a varied schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most vibrant cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders. During the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted a pair of military huts into a place of worship. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary imbued with love and peace during a global conflict—an uplifting site to see decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez towers over the skyline for miles around. Set on a hill above the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like medieval marvel has weathered centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and towering columns, centered around a colossal pipe organ. The intricately carved pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. The true attention, though, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the scores of twisting gargoyles that seem to burst out of the outside stonework. They seem less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough track. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, you make their way to a building that resembles a barn from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century remain in place. The overall atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a feature possibly intended to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is adorned with luminous religious icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. Its remarkable feature, however, is its windows. Every single one were designed by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the church that he decided to create the remaining windows, a work finished in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a blissful sensation. Entry to this unique place is gratis.