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Throughout Europe, numerous cathedrals serve as testaments to belief, heritage, and stunning artistry. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to centuries-old sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most remarkable ones recommended by knowledgeable visitors.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking example of 20th-century design. The clean, graceful exterior mirrors the surrounding scenery and evokes traditional local huts. Within, visitors can discover possibly the most comfortable church benches one could ever experience. A stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ may not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a powerful feeling of grandeur. Leaving this impressive structure after an musical performance to witness the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

I never understood what visitors seek in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

Its grounds filled with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular vista of the city. A graveyard on-site holds the grave of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly captures the essence of a place of worship. While it cannot rival grander buildings, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has unobtrusively absorbed generations of faith. Sitting there evoked a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the solace such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italy's religious art, featuring exquisite stonework and massive cupolas. However, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, with an underground vault, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the town of this location stands one of the planet's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of concrete and stunning coloured windows create a lofty, luminous space of welcome that defies easy labels as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free destination is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently overlooking Lausanne, the cathedral commands views that extend from the picturesque old town all the way to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the spire. Aside from its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a diverse schedule of free performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders. During the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using scraps of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity amidst a global conflict—an uplifting place to visit many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the horizon for miles in every direction. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, fortress-like Gothic wonder has survived hundreds of years of history's tumult. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a massive pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. The true attention, though, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic leer of the scores of twisting grotesques that seem to erupt from the outside stonework. They look less carved and more fossilised, like primeval protectors of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough track. Parking on a adjacent verge, you walk towards a structure that looks more like a barn from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 13th century, but inside, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of medieval frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 18th century remain in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

The village, near the historic city, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a characteristic possibly designed to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, though, is its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the celebrated painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's child. The artist was so taken with the site that he offered to create the remaining windows, a task completed in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.