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Throughout Europe, numerous cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. From contemporary masterpieces to ancient havens, we present some of the most remarkable examples as shared by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable example of 20th-century design. Its clean, graceful exterior mirrors the nearby landscape and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Within, guests can discover what are arguably the most cozy church benches one could ever sit on. A breathtaking glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ may not be for everyone, but it radiates a powerful feeling of grandeur. Exiting this magnificent building after an musical performance to see the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

Its grounds filled with blooms and plants offer a spectacular panorama of the city. A graveyard on-site contains the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the spirit of a church. Although it cannot rival grander establishments, that is exactly the point. It has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Being there evoked a sensation beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the solace these places offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italy's religious architecture, boasting stunning stonework and massive cupolas. However, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This medieval round church, including an underground vault, is brimming with historical charm and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's two main churches serve as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the municipality of this location rises one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a lofty, luminous space of warmth that defies simple labels as "cold". Adding to the allure of this tourist-free location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas stretching from the charming historic centre all the way to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the spire. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 12th-century building presents a varied programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key venue in the nation's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. In the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using scraps of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful space full of hope and serenity during a time of war—an uplifting place to visit many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for miles around. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like Gothic wonder has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a awe-inspiring space of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a massive organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are polished smooth by ages. The true attention, however, is often captured by the hypnotic leer of the scores of twisting grotesques that appear to erupt from the outside stonework. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, you walk towards a structure that looks more like a barn from a far away. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but within, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 18th century remain in place. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a characteristic possibly intended to not attract suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable surface is adorned with vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is truly overwhelming and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, however, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the celebrated artist Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's child. Chagall was so taken with the church that he decided to design the other panes, a task finished in 1985. The windows showcase a magnificent range of blues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a serene environment is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this unique treasure is gratis.