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Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, we present some of the most remarkable ones as shared by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking example of 20th-century architecture. The simple, elegant exterior mirrors the nearby landscape and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, guests will find what are arguably the most cozy church benches anyone could hope to sit on. A breathtaking mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to everyone, but it radiates a powerful sense of majesty. Leaving this magnificent structure following an organ recital to see the northern lights dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

I never understood what people find in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

The grounds bursting with blooms and plants provide a spectacular vista of Nice. The cemetery there contains the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the essence of a place of worship. Although it cannot rival grander buildings, that is precisely the point. It has quietly absorbed generations of faith. Being there evoked a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the comfort such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, featuring exquisite marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, including an subterranean vault, is overflowing with historical charm and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

Below the city of Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the world's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and dazzling stained glass create a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that challenges simple categorization as "brutalist". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above the city, the cathedral commands sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque historic centre down to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can climb the spire. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse schedule of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a popular venue in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and devotion of its builders. During the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted a pair of military huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they created a beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace during a global conflict—an uplifting site to see decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for kilometres around. Set high up above the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like medieval wonder has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a colossal pipe organ. The intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. One's gaze, however, is often drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the scores of twisting gargoyles that appear to burst out of the outside stonework. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a rough footpath. Parking on a adjacent verge, you walk towards a building that resembles a farm building from a far away. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an earlier pre-Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The overall effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could imagine. Externally, the Nativity Church is quite unassuming—a characteristic perhaps designed to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is covered in luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 1100s, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its true glory, though, lies in its windows. All twelve were designed by the celebrated artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's child. Chagall was so taken with the church that he offered to design the remaining panes, a work finished in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this extraordinary place is gratis.