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

Throughout Europe, numerous churches stand as testaments to faith, history, and stunning artistry. From modernist masterpieces to ancient havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable ones as shared by discerning travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a remarkable specimen of 20th-century architecture. The clean, graceful exterior mirrors the nearby scenery and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, guests can discover possibly the most comfortable pews anyone could ever experience. A stunning mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming may not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a profound sense of majesty. Leaving the magnificent structure following an organ recital to see the northern lights flickering in the sky is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

Its gardens filled with blooms and plants offer a spectacular vista of Nice. The cemetery there holds the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the essence of a church. Although it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is precisely its charm. For centuries, it has unobtrusively soaked up centuries of faith. Sitting there produced a feeling greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the solace such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of squares and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime example of Italian ecclesiastical architecture, featuring exquisite stonework and imposing cupolas. However, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 12th century. This medieval round church, including an underground vault, is brimming with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the world's most breathtaking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows create a lofty, light-filled interior of welcome that challenges easy categorization as "cold". Adding to the appeal of this less-visited location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above the city, the Gothic cathedral offers views that extend from the charming historic centre all the way to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a small fee, visitors can ascend the spire. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century edifice hosts a diverse programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and faith of its creators. In the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted a pair of military huts into a place of worship. Using scraps of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful space imbued with love and peace during a time of war—an uplifting place to see decades later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez dominates the skyline for miles around. Set high up above the River Aveyron, this immense, castle-like medieval marvel has survived hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and soaring columns, centered around a massive organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. One's attention, though, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that appear to erupt from the outside walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet stands in a remote field, accessible only by a rough track. Parking on a nearby verge, you make their way towards a structure that looks more like a farm building from a distance. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but within, traces of an older pre-Norman church become visible. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in situ. The overall effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a feature perhaps designed to not attract suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The effect is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. The church's true glory, however, is its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the renowned painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the church that he offered to create the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful environment is a blissful sensation. Admission to this unique treasure is free.