‘One of the Most Breathtaking Cathedrals in the World’

The Guardian reports readers’ favourite churches in Europe.

Stunning paint job, Bulgaria

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 not raise suspicions with the Ottomans then ruling. 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

Views of the Swiss Alps from Lausanne

Lausanne Cathedral sits up high, with views stretching from the picturesque old town all the way down to the lake and the towering Alps in the distance. The cathedral is free, but for a small fee you can also climb the bell tower. As well as its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking city views, the cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century, hosts a varied programme of free performances, exhibits and events as a popular venue in Switzerland’s most vibrant and artistic city.

- Amy

Modernist delight in Norway

The Tromsøysund parish church, commonly called the Arctic Cathedral, in Tromsø is a modernist delight. The simple, elegant exterior that reflects the surrounding scenery and evokes traditional Sami dwellings is matched by an interior that has the most comfortable pews I have ever sat on. The stunning glass mosaic titled the Return of Christ at one end may not be to everyone’s taste, but to me had power and majesty. Exiting this magnificent building after an organ recital to be met by the northern lights flickering overhead was awe-inspiring.

- Bruce Horton

Views over Nice from Matisse’s grave

I never understood what people get out of churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez is different. The flower and herb filled gardens offer a stunning view over Nice, and the cemetery contains Matisse’s grave, but it is the small chapel that truly captures what a church should be. Although it would never compare with grander establishments, that is the point. It has unostentatiously soaked up belief for centuries. Sitting there I couldn’t quantify the feeling I had. Peace? Tranquillity? Serenity? Yes, all of that, but something more, something that finally made me understand what people get out of churches.

- Robert Stroud

Orkney shrine built by Italian prisoners of war

Each time I visit the Italian Chapel in Orkney, I feel 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 Nissen huts joined together to provide a chapel. Using scraps of metal, wood, paint and anything else they could find, they created a beautiful chapel full of love and peace during a time of war – an inspiring place to visit 80 years later.

- Carol Hayden

- Authors: Guardian readers, The Guardian

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