The methods and materials of construction may have changed, but today's religious buildings have lost nothing of the tradition of sacred architecture, which seeks to convey a special atmosphere through architectural forms. These 10 futuristic sacred spaces throughout Europe are proof of this.
The Cologne Central Mosque was built between 2009 and 2017 following the design of architects Gottfried and Paul Böhm. The mosque, meant for the Turkish Muslim community of Cologne, has a contemporary yet recognisable Ottoman dome.
The Kamppi Chapel was inaugurated in 2012, and is part of the Helsinki Design Capital Year projects designed by architect Mikko Summanen. The chapel won the 'Chicago Athenaeum: International Architecture Awards' for the 'Best New Global Design Award 2010'.
Frøyland og Orstad Church is a modern church built in 2006-2008. The concrete and wooden structure has a pared-down style, designed as an extension of the surrounding environment. The church establishes a model of accessibility for people with disabilities.
The new synagogue was built between 1998 and 2001 on the site of the former Semper synagogue in neo-Moorish style, which stood there from 1840 until it was destroyed in the pogroms of November 1938. The new building, designed by the architectural firm Wandel Lorch, is the first synagogue to have been built in the former East Germany (GDR) since the Second World War.
The jubilee church was consecrated in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. The white cement church was designed by architect Richard Meier who was inspired by the shape of a boat with three sails.
The Great Mosque of Strasbourg was inaugurated in 2012, replacing a prayer room installed since 1982 in a former factory. Designed by the Italian architect Paolo Portoghesi, this modern copper-domed building is one of the largest mosques in France.
Herz-Jesu-Kirche was built between the years 1997-2000 following the design of the Munich Allmann Sattler Wappner architectural office. The modern building is located on the location of an old church that burned down in 1994, and was itself built upon a church destroyed during the Second World War. Herz-Jesu-Kirche is one of the most visited churches in Munich.
The church of San Giovanni Battista in Mogno was built according to the plans of the architect Mario Botta in 1987. The postmodern building constructed from local granite replaces a building built in 1636 and destroyed by an avalanche in 1986.
The Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Paks was built in 1988-1990 by architect Imre Makovecz. The building is a masterpiece of organic art, combining ancient Hungarian and Christian architecture.
The Cambridge Mosque, built between 2016 and 2019, is Europe's first eco-friendly mosque. Its structure is entirely made of timber and includes photovoltaic cells, an air heat pump, a sedum roof and a rainwater recovery system.
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