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Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals serve as testaments to belief, heritage, and stunning artistry. Ranging from modernist creations to ancient havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable examples recommended by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking example of modernist design. Its clean, graceful facade reflects the surrounding landscape and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Within, visitors will find possibly the most comfortable church benches anyone could hope to sit on. A stunning glass mosaic depicting Christ's Second Coming might not be for everyone, but it exudes a profound feeling of grandeur. Leaving this impressive structure following an musical performance to witness the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

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

The gardens filled with blooms and plants offer a magnificent panorama over Nice. The cemetery on-site contains the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the spirit of a church. Although it cannot rival grander establishments, that is precisely its charm. For centuries, it has unobtrusively soaked up centuries of faith. Sitting there evoked a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep realization of the comfort these places can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Nestled within a maze of squares and narrow alleys, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italian religious art, featuring stunning stonework and imposing cupolas. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an underground crypt, is brimming with history and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a perfect snapshot of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

Below Essen in the municipality of this location rises one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a lofty, light-filled interior of warmth that defies simple categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this tourist-free destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers views that extend from the charming historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can climb the spire. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice presents a varied schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key venue in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling experience with the skill and devotion of its creators. During the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace during a global conflict—an uplifting site to see many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for miles around. Perched high up above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like medieval marvel has survived hundreds of years of history's tumult. Inside is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and towering columns, all framing a massive pipe organ. The intricately carved pews and misericords are polished smooth by ages. The true attention, though, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing leer of the scores of twisting grotesques that seem to burst out of the exterior stonework. They look less carved and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford sits in a remote field, accessible only by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, visitors walk to a structure that resembles a barn from a far away. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an older pre-Norman church can be seen. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 18th century remain in place. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent churches anyone could imagine. Externally, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a characteristic perhaps designed to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable surface is adorned with vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, however, lies in its windows. All twelve were created by the renowned painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the church that he decided to design the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Entry to this unique treasure is free.