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Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals serve as testaments to belief, heritage, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are some of the most remarkable ones recommended by discerning travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking example of 20th-century architecture. The simple, elegant exterior mirrors the nearby landscape and evokes historic Sami dwellings. Inside, guests will find possibly the most comfortable church benches one could hope to experience. One breathtaking mural of glass portraying Christ's Second Coming might not be for all tastes, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Leaving the magnificent structure following an musical performance to see the aurora borealis flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

The grounds bursting with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent panorama of the city. The cemetery there holds the resting place of artist Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the essence of a church. While it cannot rival grander buildings, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has unobtrusively soaked up generations of belief. Sitting there produced a feeling greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the solace these places can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and narrow alleys, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime example of Italy's religious art, boasting exquisite stonework and massive domes. However, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an subterranean vault, is overflowing with historical charm and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the town of this location rises one of the planet's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of concrete and stunning coloured windows form a lofty, light-filled space of warmth that challenges simple categorization as "cold". Adding to the allure of this less-visited destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas stretching from the charming historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the bell tower. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a varied programme of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a popular cultural hub in the nation's most lively artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Created by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders. During the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with love and peace amidst a global conflict—an inspiring place to see decades later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez dominates the horizon for miles around. Set high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like Gothic wonder has weathered centuries of history's tumult. Inside is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and towering columns, centered around a massive pipe organ. The intricately carved pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. The true attention, however, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing leer of the scores of writhing gargoyles that appear to burst out of the outside walls. They look less carved and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, you make their way towards a structure that resembles a barn from a distance. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but within, evidence of an older pre-Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s remain in place. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a characteristic perhaps designed to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, though, is its stained glass. All twelve were created by the renowned painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's child. The artist was so taken with the site that he decided to design the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling range of blues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a serene setting is a blissful sensation. Admission to this unique treasure is free.