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Throughout Europe, numerous cathedrals stand as testaments to belief, heritage, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From modernist masterpieces to centuries-old havens, here are a selection of the most remarkable examples as shared by discerning travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking specimen of 20th-century design. Its clean, graceful exterior mirrors the nearby scenery and echoes traditional local huts. Within, guests will find what are arguably the most cozy church benches one could ever sit on. A stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a powerful feeling of majesty. Exiting this magnificent building following an musical performance to see the northern lights flickering overhead is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

The gardens filled with flowers and herbs offer a magnificent panorama of the city. The cemetery there holds the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the spirit of a church. Although it would never compare to grander establishments, that is exactly the point. It has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Sitting there produced a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding 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 New Cathedral is a prime example of Italian religious art, featuring stunning stonework and imposing cupolas. However, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, including an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

South of the city of Essen in the municipality of this location rises one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and dazzling stained glass form a soaring, light-filled interior of welcome that defies simple labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral offers views that extend from the picturesque old town down to the lake and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its impressive medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century building presents a varied schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, making it a popular venue in the nation's most vibrant cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling encounter with the skill and devotion of its creators. In the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with love and peace during a time of war—an uplifting place to see decades later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral in Rodez dominates the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Perched on a hill overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, fortress-like medieval marvel has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a awe-inspiring space of vaulted ceilings and towering columns, all framing a massive organ. Its intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. The true gaze, though, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic stare of the scores of twisting grotesques that appear to burst out of the outside walls. They look less sculpted and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven track. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, you walk towards a structure that looks more like a farm building from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an older pre-Norman structure become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered medieval frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 18th century remain in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a characteristic perhaps intended to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, though, lies in its windows. All twelve were designed by the celebrated painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a local couple's child. Chagall was so impressed by the church that he decided to design the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The windows showcase a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a blissful sensation. Admission to this unique place is gratis.