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Across Europe, numerous cathedrals serve as monuments of belief, heritage, and breathtaking artistry. From contemporary creations to ancient havens, here are some of the most remarkable examples recommended by knowledgeable visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable specimen of modernist design. The simple, elegant exterior mirrors the surrounding scenery and echoes traditional local huts. Inside, guests will find possibly the most comfortable church benches one could ever experience. A breathtaking glass mosaic depicting Christ's Second Coming might not be for everyone, but it exudes a powerful feeling of grandeur. Leaving this magnificent building after an organ recital to see the aurora borealis flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

The grounds bursting with blooms and plants offer a spectacular panorama over the city. The cemetery there holds the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the essence of a place of worship. Although it cannot rival grander establishments, that is precisely the point. For centuries, 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 Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic example of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, boasting exquisite stonework and imposing domes. Yet, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, including an underground crypt, is brimming with historical charm and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of the city of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and stunning coloured windows form a lofty, luminous space of welcome that challenges simple categorization as "cold". Adding to the allure of this tourist-free destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently above the city, the Gothic cathedral offers views that extend from the picturesque old town all the way to the lake and the distant Alps. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the spire. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 800-year-old building hosts a varied schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key venue in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling encounter with the skill and devotion of its builders. In the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using scraps of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity during a global conflict—an uplifting site to see decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez dominates the horizon for miles around. Set on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, fortress-like medieval marvel has survived hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, all framing a colossal pipe organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are polished smooth by time. One's attention, however, is often drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the scores of writhing grotesques that seem to erupt from the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven track. Parking on a adjacent verge, you make their way to a structure that looks more like a barn from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s are still in situ. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

The village, near the historic city, is home to one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a feature possibly intended to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is structurally rather simple. The church's true glory, however, lies in its windows. Every single one were created by the celebrated painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the church that he offered to design the remaining windows, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a peaceful environment is a blissful experience. Entry to this extraordinary place is gratis.