Readers' Beloved Churches in Europe: A Journey of Spiritual Wonders

Across Europe, numerous churches serve as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From contemporary creations to ancient havens, we present some of the most remarkable examples as shared by knowledgeable visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable specimen of 20th-century architecture. The simple, elegant exterior mirrors the surrounding scenery and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, visitors will find possibly the most comfortable church benches one could hope to experience. A breathtaking glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ might not be for all tastes, but it radiates a profound sense of grandeur. Leaving this impressive building following an organ recital to see the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

The gardens bursting with blooms and plants offer a magnificent panorama of Nice. The cemetery on-site holds the resting place of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the spirit of a church. Although it cannot rival grander establishments, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has unobtrusively absorbed generations of faith. Being there evoked a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the solace these places can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italian religious art, featuring exquisite marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This medieval round church, including an underground vault, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

South of Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and stunning coloured windows create a soaring, luminous interior of warmth that challenges simple labels as "brutalist". Adding to the allure of this less-visited location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the cathedral commands views stretching from the charming historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alps. Entry to the church is free, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice presents a varied programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. During the 1940s, at the request of the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity amidst a global conflict—an inspiring place to see decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Perched high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like medieval marvel has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and towering pillars, centered around a colossal organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. One's gaze, however, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing stare of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that appear to burst out of the exterior stonework. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like primeval guardians of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet stands in a remote field, accessible only by a rough footpath. Parking on a adjacent verge, visitors make their way to a building that looks more like a farm building from a distance. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an earlier pre-Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s remain in situ. The overall atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches anyone could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a characteristic perhaps intended to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. Its remarkable feature, however, lies in its windows. All twelve were created by the celebrated artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's daughter. Chagall was so impressed by the church that he offered to create the remaining windows, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Entry to this unique place is gratis.