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Across Europe, numerous cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. From contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old sanctuaries, we present some of the most remarkable ones recommended by discerning visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking specimen of modernist design. Its clean, graceful facade reflects the nearby landscape and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Within, visitors will find what are arguably the most cozy church benches anyone could hope to sit on. A breathtaking glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming might not be for everyone, but it exudes a powerful feeling of majesty. Leaving the magnificent building after an organ recital to witness the northern lights flickering in the sky is an unforgettable experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

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

The grounds filled with blooms and plants offer a magnificent panorama over the city. The cemetery there contains the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the essence of a church. While it would never compare to grander establishments, that is precisely its charm. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up centuries of belief. Sitting there produced a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the comfort these places can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italy's religious art, featuring exquisite stonework and imposing domes. Yet, the true highlight of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, with an underground crypt, is brimming with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches serve as a perfect snapshot of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the town of Neviges stands one of the world's most breathtaking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass form a lofty, luminous space of welcome that defies easy categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this tourist-free location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently overlooking the city, the cathedral offers views stretching from the picturesque historic centre down to the lake and the far-off Alps. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, you can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its impressive medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century building presents a varied schedule of free performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Created by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. In the 1940s, following a plea from the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace amidst a global conflict—an inspiring site to visit many years on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the horizon for miles in every direction. Set high up overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, fortress-like Gothic wonder has weathered centuries of history's tumult. Inside is a awe-inspiring space of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, all framing a colossal pipe organ. Its intricately carved seats and ledges are polished smooth by time. One's gaze, though, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing stare of the scores of writhing grotesques that appear to erupt from the outside stonework. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven track. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, you make their way to a structure that looks more like a barn from a far away. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Excavations 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 stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent churches anyone could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—a characteristic perhaps intended to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. Its true glory, however, is its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the renowned artist Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a local couple's daughter. The artist was so taken with the site that he offered to design the other panes, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful setting is a blissful experience. Entry to this unique place is gratis.