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Across Europe, countless cathedrals serve as testaments to belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. From contemporary creations to ancient havens, here are some of the most remarkable examples recommended by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking specimen of 20th-century design. The simple, elegant facade reflects the surrounding landscape and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Inside, guests can discover what are arguably the most comfortable pews anyone could hope to sit on. A stunning mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming may not be for all tastes, but it radiates a powerful feeling of grandeur. Exiting this impressive structure after an musical performance to see the northern lights flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

I never understood what visitors seek in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

The gardens bursting with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular vista of the city. The cemetery there contains the grave of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the spirit of a place of worship. Although it would never compare to grander buildings, that is precisely its charm. It has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of belief. Sitting there produced a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the solace these places can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of squares and winding alleys, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italian ecclesiastical architecture, featuring exquisite marble and imposing domes. However, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, with an underground crypt, is brimming with historical charm and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a perfect snapshot of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in Germany

South of the city of Essen in the town of Neviges stands one of the planet's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and stunning stained glass create a lofty, light-filled interior of welcome that defies easy categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high above Lausanne, the cathedral offers views stretching from the charming old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is free, and for a modest charge, you can climb the spire. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice presents a diverse schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in the nation's most lively artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a humbling encounter with the skill and devotion of its builders. During the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. From scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful space full of love and peace amidst a time of war—an uplifting place to visit decades on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres around. Set high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like medieval marvel has survived hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and soaring pillars, all framing a colossal pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. The true gaze, though, is frequently captured by the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of twisting gargoyles that appear to burst out of the outside stonework. They look 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 isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a nearby verge, visitors walk towards a building that resembles a farm building from a far away. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in situ. The overall effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a characteristic possibly designed to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, 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 breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, though, is its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the celebrated painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's daughter. The artist was so taken with the site that he decided to design the remaining panes, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this unique treasure is free.