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Throughout Europe, numerous cathedrals serve as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, here are some of the most remarkable ones as shared by discerning visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking example of modernist architecture. Its simple, elegant facade reflects the surrounding landscape and echoes traditional local huts. Inside, guests can discover possibly the most comfortable pews one could hope to sit on. A stunning glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming may not be for all tastes, but it exudes a profound feeling of majesty. Leaving this impressive building after an organ recital to see the northern lights flickering overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

Its gardens filled with blooms and plants provide a spectacular panorama over Nice. A graveyard there holds 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 establishments, that is precisely its charm. It has quietly absorbed centuries of belief. Being there produced a sensation greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the comfort such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italian ecclesiastical architecture, boasting stunning marble and massive cupolas. However, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This medieval round church, including an underground vault, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of the city of Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows form a soaring, luminous space of warmth that challenges simple labels as "brutalist". Adding to the appeal of this less-visited location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the picturesque old town down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Admission to the church is free, and for a small fee, visitors can ascend the spire. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular views, this 12th-century edifice hosts a varied schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and faith of its builders. In the 1940s, following a plea from the chaplain, artist Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity during a time of war—an inspiring site to see many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for miles around. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, fortress-like medieval wonder has survived hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a awe-inspiring chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a massive pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. The true attention, though, is frequently captured by the hypnotic leer of the scores of writhing grotesques that appear to burst out of the outside stonework. They look less carved and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough track. Parking on a nearby verge, visitors make their way towards a structure that looks more like a farm building from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 13th century, but within, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century remain in situ. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches anyone could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a characteristic possibly designed to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is adorned with vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's true glory, however, is its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the church that he decided to design the other panes, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a blissful sensation. Entry to this unique place is gratis.