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Throughout Europe, numerous cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most remarkable examples as shared by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable example of 20th-century architecture. Its clean, graceful exterior reflects the nearby scenery and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Within, guests can discover what are arguably the most cozy church benches one could ever experience. A stunning mural of glass portraying Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Leaving this impressive structure following an organ recital to see the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

The gardens bursting with blooms and plants offer a spectacular panorama over Nice. A graveyard there contains the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the essence of a church. While it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is precisely the point. It has unobtrusively soaked up centuries of belief. Being there produced a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep realization of the comfort such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italy's ecclesiastical art, boasting exquisite stonework and massive domes. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, with an subterranean vault, is brimming with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches serve as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in Germany

Below Essen in the municipality of Neviges stands one of the planet's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and dazzling stained glass form a lofty, luminous space of warmth that defies easy labels as "brutalist". Adding to the appeal of this less-visited location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above the city, the cathedral commands views stretching from the charming historic centre all the way to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 800-year-old building hosts a diverse programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders. In the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary imbued with love and peace amidst a time of war—an uplifting place to see decades on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral in Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Set on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like medieval wonder has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring pillars, all framing a colossal pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by time. The true gaze, though, is frequently captured by the hypnotic stare of the scores of twisting gargoyles that seem to erupt from the outside walls. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, visitors walk towards a structure that looks more like a barn from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 13th century, but within, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

The village, near the historic city, is home to one of the most magnificent churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a feature possibly intended to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is adorned with luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's true glory, however, is its windows. All twelve were created by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's child. The artist was so impressed by the site that he offered to design the other windows, a task completed in 1985. The windows showcase a dazzling range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful experience. Entry to this unique place is free.