Modernist Delight in Norway
The Tromsøysund Parish Church, commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, is a modernist delight. Its simple, elegant exterior reflects the surrounding landscape and evokes traditional Sami dwellings, while the interior features the most comfortable pews I have ever experienced. The stunning glass mosaic titled The Return of Christ at one end may not appeal to everyone, but I found it powerful and majestic. Leaving this magnificent building after an organ recital to see the northern lights flickering overhead was truly awe-inspiring.
— Bruce Horton
Views Over Nice from Matisse’s Grave
I never understood what people find in churches, but the Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez is different. Its gardens, filled with flowers and herbs, offer a stunning view over Nice, and the cemetery holds Matisse’s grave. Yet it’s the small chapel that truly captures what a church should be. While it can’t compare to grander buildings, that’s precisely the point. It has quietly absorbed centuries of belief. Sitting there, I couldn’t quite define what I felt—peace, tranquility, serenity? Yes, all of that, and something more that finally helped me understand what people find in churches.
— Robert Stroud
Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy
Nestled within a maze of squares and winding streets, Brescia’s 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a perfect example of an Italian church, with stunning marble and huge domes. However, the highlight of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 12th century. This Romanesque rotunda, with its underground crypt, is brimming with history and charm. Together, Brescia’s cathedrals offer a microcosm of Italy’s architectural evolution.
— Daniel Baker
Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany
In the Ruhr region, south of Essen, the town of Neviges is home to one of the world’s most breathtaking and unique cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens (Mary, Queen of Peace) is a modernist masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968 at the request of Archbishop Frings of Cologne, a brave opponent of the Nazis during World War II. Asymmetric concrete galleries and stunning stained glass create a lofty space filled with light and warmth, defying any attempt to label the design as merely “brutalist.” And if that isn’t reason enough to visit this tourist-free location, just down the road is the 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn—an amazing suspension railway.
— Richard
Views of the Swiss Alps from Lausanne
Lausanne Cathedral sits high above the city, with views stretching from the picturesque old town down to the lake and the distant Alps. The cathedral is free to enter, and for a small fee, you can climb the bell tower. Beyond its impressive Gothic architecture and breathtaking city views, the 12th-century cathedral hosts a varied program of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a popular venue in Switzerland’s most vibrant and artistic city.
— Amy
Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War
Each time I visit the Italian Chapel in Orkney, I feel…I am humbled by the craftsmanship and faith of the Italian prisoners of war who built it. After a request from the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners were allowed to use two joined Nissen huts to create a chapel. Using scraps of metal, wood, paint, and anything else they could find, they crafted a beautiful chapel full of love and peace during wartime—an inspiring place to visit 80 years later.
Carol Hayden
The pink sandstone cathedral at Rodez dominates the skyline for miles around. Set on a hill high above the River Aveyron, this huge fortress-like medieval marvel has endured centuries of construction, plague, and the Hundred Years War. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and towering pillars, all framing the colossal organ that greets you on entry. The pews and misericords are intricately carved and polished with time. It’s a bewildering feat of engineering that you can only fully appreciate if you manage to draw your gaze from the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that seem to burst from the stonework outside. They don’t look carved; they look fossilized, like long-dead guardians of this beautiful basilica.
Gareth Roberts
Although it’s easy enough to find, St Oswald’s in Widford sits in a remote field, accessible only by a rough footpath. Widford itself is a hamlet with just a few houses. Park on a nearby grass verge, walk over the cattle grid, and head toward what looks more like a barn than a church in the distance. The building is clearly mostly from the 13th century, but inside, parts of an earlier church (Saxon or early Norman) become visible. Excavations revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s are still in place. It is mysterious, beautiful, and powerful.
Michael H
The village of Arbanasi near Veliko Tarnovo surprised us with one of the most magnificent churches we had ever seen. From the outside, bar the braces that now protect it from earthquakes, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—possibly to avoid raising suspicions with the ruling Ottomans. But the inside more than makes up for it. Every conceivable surface is painted with Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. It is truly overwhelming.
Marcus
A couple of years ago, I visited All Saints Church in Tudeley, near Tonbridge in Kent. It’s a tiny church founded in the 12th century and restored over time. The church itself is quite ordinary, but all the windows are by the brilliant French and Russian artist Marc Chagall. In 1963, a local couple commissioned Chagall to design a stained glass window for the church in memory of their daughter.The story of their daughter. The artist was so taken with the church that he also designed the other 11 windows, working with glassmaker Charles Marq in Reims. The final windows were installed in 1985, just before Chagall’s death. The colors—a full spectrum of blues—are magnificent. Being surrounded by all those blues in such a peaceful place was blissful. And admission is free. Anna Lowy
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this week’s reader travel tips. The shortlist here only represents a small portion of the many wonderful entries we received. If your tip didn’t make the shortlist, please use the comments below to add it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Europes most breathtaking cathedrals written in a natural conversational tone
General Beginner Questions
What makes a cathedral breathtaking
Its a combination of scale history artistry and emotional impact Think towering architecture stunning stained glass intricate sculptures and a sense of awe that has lasted for centuries
Whats the difference between a church a cathedral and a basilica
Church A general place of Christian worship
Cathedral The principal church of a diocese containing the bishops official seat
Basilica A title of honor given by the Pope to churches of historical or spiritual importance A church can be both a cathedral and a basilica
Im not religious Are these cathedrals still worth visiting
Absolutely They are masterpieces of human art engineering and history You can appreciate them as monumental museums architectural wonders and windows into the culture of their time
Which European cathedral is the most famous
St Peters Basilica in Vatican City is arguably the most famous due to its size significance in Catholicism and Renaissance art
What should I wear when visiting a cathedral
Dress respectfully This usually means covering your shoulders and knees for both men and women Avoid hats inside Many cathedrals provide shawls or coverings at the entrance
Planning Practical Tips
How much time should I budget for a visit
At least 12 hours for a basic visit For major sites like St Peters NotreDame or Sagrada Família plan for 3 hours if you want to explore thoroughly climb towers or visit crypts
Do I need to buy tickets in advance
For the most popular cathedrals yes absolutely Booking online saves hours of waiting For many others entry to the main nave is free but fees apply for special areas
What are common addon experiences
Climbing a tower or dome for panoramic city views
