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Across Europe, numerous cathedrals serve as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. From modernist creations to ancient havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable ones as shared by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable specimen of 20th-century architecture. Its simple, elegant facade mirrors the surrounding landscape and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Within, visitors will find what are arguably the most cozy church benches anyone could hope to experience. A breathtaking mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming might not be for all tastes, but it exudes a powerful feeling of grandeur. Exiting this impressive building after an musical performance to witness the northern lights flickering in the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

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

Its gardens filled with blooms and plants offer a magnificent panorama over Nice. A graveyard there holds the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the essence of a place of worship. Although it would never compare to more ornate establishments, that is precisely the point. It has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Being there evoked a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the comfort these places offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italian ecclesiastical art, featuring stunning marble and massive domes. However, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, including an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches serve as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of the city of Essen in the municipality of Neviges stands one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass form a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that challenges simple categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the cathedral commands views stretching from the charming old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 800-year-old edifice presents a diverse schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the skill and faith of its creators. In the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an inspiring place to see decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Set on a hill above the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like medieval wonder has weathered centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring pillars, all framing a massive pipe organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. One's gaze, however, is frequently captured by the hypnotic stare of the scores of twisting gargoyles that appear to burst out of the exterior stonework. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this striking church.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, visitors make their way to a building that resembles a barn from a distance. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but within, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a feature perhaps designed to not attract attention during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, though, lies in its windows. Every single one were designed by the renowned painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a local couple's child. The artist was so taken with the church that he offered to design the other panes, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent range of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.