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Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals stand as testaments to belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most remarkable ones recommended by knowledgeable visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable specimen of modernist architecture. Its simple, elegant facade reflects the nearby landscape and evokes historic local huts. Within, visitors will find possibly the most comfortable church benches anyone could ever sit on. One stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ may not be for all tastes, but it radiates a profound feeling of majesty. Leaving this magnificent structure following an musical performance to witness the northern lights dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

Its gardens bursting with blooms and plants offer a spectacular panorama over the city. The cemetery there holds the resting place of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the essence of a church. Although it would never compare to grander buildings, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has unobtrusively soaked up generations of faith. Being there evoked a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the comfort such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and winding alleys, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime example of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, boasting exquisite marble and imposing domes. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, with an underground vault, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in Germany

Below Essen in the municipality of Neviges stands one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed from 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and stunning stained glass form a lofty, light-filled interior of warmth that defies easy labels as "brutalist". Adding to the allure of this less-visited location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers views stretching from the picturesque old town all the way to the lake and the distant Alps. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular cultural hub in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Created by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling encounter with the craftsmanship and faith of its builders. During the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using scraps of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful space full of hope and serenity amidst a global conflict—an uplifting site to see decades later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez dominates the horizon for miles in every direction. Set high up above the Aveyron River, this immense, fortress-like Gothic marvel has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring pillars, centered around a colossal organ. Its intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. One's gaze, though, is often drawn to the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that seem to erupt from the outside walls. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford stands in a remote field, accessible only by a uneven track. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, you walk towards a building that resembles a farm building from a far away. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches anyone could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a feature possibly designed to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly breathtaking and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. Its true glory, though, is its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the celebrated painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the site that he offered to create the remaining windows, a work completed in 1985. The windows showcase a magnificent spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a serene setting is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this unique place is gratis.