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Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals serve as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From contemporary masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, here are some of the most remarkable ones as shared by discerning travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable example of modernist design. Its clean, graceful exterior mirrors the surrounding scenery and echoes traditional local huts. Inside, visitors will find possibly the most cozy church benches anyone could ever experience. A breathtaking glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ may not be for all tastes, but it exudes a profound feeling of majesty. Exiting this impressive structure after an organ recital to see the aurora borealis flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

I never understood what visitors seek in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

The gardens filled with flowers and herbs offer a magnificent vista over Nice. The cemetery there contains the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly captures the essence of a place of worship. While it would never compare to grander buildings, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has unobtrusively soaked up generations of belief. Sitting there produced a sensation greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep realization of the solace these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italy's religious art, featuring stunning marble and massive cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an underground crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

Below Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and dazzling stained glass create a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that defies easy labels as "brutalist". Adding to the allure of this tourist-free location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the charming historic centre down to the lake and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the spire. Beyond its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century edifice hosts a varied programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular venue in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. During the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity during a global conflict—an uplifting site to see decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Set high up above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like medieval wonder has survived centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and towering pillars, centered around a massive organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. The true gaze, though, is often drawn to the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that appear to burst out of the outside stonework. They look less carved and more fossilised, like ancient guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, visitors walk to a building that resembles a farm building from a far away. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in situ. The overall atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could encounter. Externally, the Nativity Church is quite unassuming—a characteristic possibly intended to not attract attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable surface is adorned with vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. Its true glory, though, is its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the celebrated artist Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's child. Chagall was so taken with the site that he decided to create the remaining windows, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is free.