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Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals serve as testaments to belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist creations to ancient havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable examples as shared by discerning travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking specimen of modernist architecture. The clean, graceful exterior mirrors the surrounding scenery and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, visitors can discover what are arguably the most cozy church benches anyone could ever experience. A stunning mural of glass portraying Christ's Second Coming might not be for all tastes, but it radiates a powerful sense of majesty. Leaving the impressive building after an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

The gardens filled with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular vista over the city. A graveyard on-site holds the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the essence of a church. Although it cannot rival grander buildings, that is exactly the point. It has unobtrusively soaked up centuries of faith. Sitting there evoked a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the solace these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italian ecclesiastical architecture, featuring stunning stonework and imposing domes. However, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, with an underground crypt, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in Germany

Below the city of Essen in the town of this location rises one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and stunning stained glass create a lofty, light-filled space of welcome that defies simple categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral commands views stretching from the picturesque old town down to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a small fee, visitors can ascend the spire. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old building hosts a diverse programme of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and faith of its builders. In the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful space full of love and peace during a time of war—an uplifting place to see decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like Gothic wonder has weathered centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and soaring pillars, all framing a colossal organ. Its intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. The true gaze, however, is frequently captured by the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of twisting gargoyles that appear to erupt from the outside stonework. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval guardians of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a rough track. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, you walk to a building that looks more like a barn from a far away. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an older pre-Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near the historic city, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a feature possibly designed to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. Its true glory, though, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's daughter. Chagall was so impressed by the site that he offered to create the other panes, a task finished in 1985. The windows showcase a dazzling range of blues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a blissful experience. Admission to this extraordinary place is gratis.