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Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from contemporary creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, we present some of the most captivating examples recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable example of 20th-century architecture. Its simple, elegant exterior reflects the surrounding landscape and evokes historic local huts. Within, guests can discover what are arguably the most comfortable pews one could hope to sit on. One stunning glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming may not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a powerful feeling of grandeur. Leaving the impressive building after an musical performance to see the northern lights flickering overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves 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 gardens bursting with blooms and plants provide a magnificent vista over the city. A graveyard on-site holds the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly captures the essence of a place of worship. While it would never compare to more ornate buildings, that is exactly its charm. It has unobtrusively absorbed generations of belief. Sitting there evoked a sensation greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound realization of the comfort these places can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italian ecclesiastical architecture, featuring exquisite marble and imposing domes. However, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This romanesque rotunda, with an underground vault, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

South of Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and dazzling stained glass form a lofty, luminous space of welcome that challenges easy labels as "cold". Furthermore, 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

Situated prominently overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque old town down to the lake and the distant Alps. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a modest charge, you can climb the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular views, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most vibrant cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the skill and devotion of its creators. In the 1940s, following a plea from the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using scraps of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful space full of love and peace amidst a time of war—an uplifting site to see many years on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres around. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like medieval wonder has survived hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and soaring columns, all framing a colossal pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. The true gaze, though, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing stare of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that appear to erupt from the outside walls. They seem less carved and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, you make their way towards a building that looks more like a farm building from a far away. Its construction is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an older pre-Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century remain in situ. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—a feature possibly intended to not attract attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is covered in vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, however, is its windows. All twelve were designed by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a local couple's child. Chagall was so impressed by the site that he offered to design the other windows, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a serene environment is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is free.