10 Places of Worship for Nature Lovers and Hikers in Europe

European beautiful landscapes have inspired the creation of places of worship hidden in rocky cliffs, lush vegetation and solitary islands. These 7 heritage sites are astonishing for both their beauty and their environment!

Wikimedia Commons/Tiesse

Sanctuary of Monte Lussari, Italy

This incredible 14th century church is perched on the top of Mount Lussari, 1789m above sea level, where Italy, Slovenia and Austria meet in the Alps. Legend has it that the Virgin Mary appeared on this site and this inspired the construction of the church.

Sanctuary of Monte Lussari
Wikimedia Commons/Αρκάς

Prodromos Monastery, Greece

The 16th century Prodromos Monastery is nestled in the cliffs of the Lussius Ravine, part of the mountainous Arcadia region. A 20 minute walk along a cliffside path leads to this extraordinary hidden gem.

Prodromos Monastery
Wikimedia Commons/Ragnebl

Borgund Stave Church, Norway

A few kilometers from the largest fjord in Norway, in a lush green valley, Borgund Stave Church, built in the 12th century, allows visitors to experience wonderful countryside walks with unique Norwegian architecture and history.

Borgund Stave Church
Wikimedia Commons/Serbinov Maria

Orheiul Vechi, Moldavia

A unique and magnificent experience: the caves of the Orheiul Vechi monastery in Moldova contain ancient places of worship and prayer dating back to the 13th century. Moreover, the religious complex is located in a unique prehistoric and natural site containing remains from all periods of Moldova's turbulent history.

Orheiul Vechi
Wikimedia Commons/Störfix

St Patrick's Chapel, Ireland

Found on top of Croagh Patrick Mountain, also known as the Reek, this Calvary church has stunning views over the surrounding landscape. The mountain itself has both a Pagan and Christian history, and is climbed by pilgrims each year on Reek Sunday (the last Sunday in July).

St Patrick's Chapel
Wikimedia Commons/Dreizung

Viðareiði Church, Faroe Islands

Found on the island of Viðoy, Viðareiði church is surrounded by excellent hiking trails and some of the most inspiring scenery in the entire Faroe Islands. Built in the 19th century, this small whitewashed church is famous for having welcomed the survivors of the English brig "Marwood" in 1847.

Viðareiði Church
ExploreChurches

Tintagel Castle Chapel, United-Kingdom

Among the ruins of the Arthurian castle of Tintagel in Cornwall, this small chapel dedicated to the unusual St Hulanus or Ulette, was probably built before the medieval castle. Constructed on top of the ruins of the Dark Age settlement, the chapel enjoys a breathtaking view of the steep, typically Cornish surroundings.

Tintagel Castle Chapel
Wikimedia Commons/Roland Zumbuehl

Great St Bernard Hospice, Switzerland

Located at an altitude of 2473m, the hospice of the Grand Saint-Bernard is the highest site on our list. This mythical hospice, which made the Saint-Bernard dog famous, was founded in the 11th century and has kept its tradition of welcoming travellers.

Great St Bernard Hospice
Wikimedia Commons/Zairon

Agios Nikolaos Tis Stegis, Cyprus

Agios Nikolaos Tis Stegis is one of many medieval monasteries in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus. Built at the beginning of the 11th century, its fresh interior, full of frescoes dating from the 6th century, is a welcome stopover for hikers.

Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis
Wikimedia Commons/Robert Parma

Chapel of Jaszczurówka, Poland

Located in Zakopane, the "winter capital of Poland", the chapel of Jaszczurówka, built in 1904, is a typical example of the local Goral style. As an integral part of Tatra National Park, the chapel is the starting point for many trails.

Chapel of Jaszczurówka