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Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals stand as testaments to belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to ancient havens, we present some of the most remarkable examples recommended by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable example of 20th-century design. Its clean, graceful facade mirrors the surrounding landscape and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, visitors can discover what are arguably the most comfortable pews anyone could ever experience. One breathtaking mural of glass depicting the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a powerful feeling of grandeur. Leaving this impressive structure following an musical performance to see the northern lights dancing overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

Its gardens bursting with blooms and plants offer a magnificent vista over Nice. The cemetery there contains the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the essence of a place of worship. While it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has unobtrusively absorbed generations of faith. Sitting there evoked a feeling greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep realization of the solace these places offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italian religious architecture, featuring stunning marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque rotunda, including an underground crypt, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

South of Essen in the municipality of Neviges stands one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that defies simple categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free destination is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing example of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently above the city, the cathedral commands views that extend from the picturesque old town all the way to the lake and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the spire. Aside from its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century building hosts a varied schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a popular venue in the nation's most vibrant cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and faith of its creators. During the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they created a beautiful sanctuary imbued with love and peace amidst a global conflict—an inspiring site to visit many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the skyline for kilometres around. Perched high up overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, fortress-like Gothic wonder has weathered centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring pillars, centered around a colossal organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. The true gaze, however, is often captured by the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that appear to burst out of the exterior walls. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, visitors walk to a structure that looks more like a farm building from a far away. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, evidence of an earlier pre-Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in situ. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a characteristic possibly designed to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, though, lies in its windows. All twelve were created by the celebrated painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a local couple's child. Chagall was so taken with the site that he offered to create the remaining windows, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful setting is a blissful sensation. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.