This month, the great and the good gathered in Paris to celebrate the restoration and grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. In honour of this, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite cathedrals and chapels. From Gothic masterpieces to contemporary spaces, these stunning buildings offer moments of quiet reflection.
zoe
Church of Christ the Worker and Our Lady of Lourdes
ELADIO DIESTE
“Eladio Dieste did incredible curved brickwork forms in Uruguay in the mid-20th century.”
“He was both an architect and a structural engineer and experimented boldly with pre-stressed masonry structures that had not been explored before.”
liam
Coventry Cathedral
basil spence
” I always liked the mid-century-ness of the New Cathedral in Coventry by Basil Spence, rebuilt following the bombing of the old cathedral during the Second World War.”
“John Grindrod wrote a lovely chapter about it in Concretopia which inspired a visit. In the end it was cold and raining so we left.”
paul
Bruder Klaus Field Chapel
Peter Zumthor
“I love how performative the construction of this chapel in Mechernich, Germany was. Created using a wigwam of 112 tree trunks, ramming concrete around it and then burning the trees out from within.”
“This creates a very tactile and atmospheric single space with an open rooflight to the top. The Simplest expression of a space for worship.”
alan
Bishop Edward King Chapel
Niall McLaughlin Architects
“This chapel for Ripon College in Cuddesdon, South Oxfordshire is absolutely beautiful and I’d love to see it in the flesh.”
“Calming, immaculately detailed with some beautiful spaces.”
elena
Milan Cathedral
Simone da Orsenigo
“Milan Cathedral is a magnificent Gothic church. Its intricate facade, adorned with countless statues and towering spires make it an iconic landmark.”
“However, what truly sets the Duomo apart is its seemingly endless construction! The work began in the 14th century and continued for centuries and even today restoration of the marble features is ongoing.”
kate
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Frederick Gibberd and Sir Edwin Lutyens
“The volume of the main cathedral space really takes your breath away, whilst the many side chapels create more calming spots for contemplation.”
“The sculptural concrete frame and details are set off by strips of colourful light from the beautiful decorative stained glass. Every inch of the cathedral has been well considered and I love it.”
Looking to create your own peaceful sanctuary?
Contact us today if you’re looking for a home that offers the opportunity for quiet reflection.