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Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals serve as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning artistry. Ranging from contemporary creations to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most captivating examples recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking example of 20th-century design. Its simple, elegant exterior reflects the surrounding landscape and evokes traditional local huts. Within, guests can discover what are arguably the most comfortable church benches anyone could ever sit on. A breathtaking mural of glass depicting the Return of Christ might not be for all tastes, but it exudes a profound sense of majesty. Leaving this magnificent building following an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

Its grounds filled with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular vista of Nice. The cemetery on-site contains the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the spirit of a church. Although it would never compare to grander buildings, that is exactly the point. It has quietly soaked up centuries of belief. Sitting there produced a feeling greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep realization of the comfort these places can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italian religious art, featuring stunning marble and massive domes. However, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, including an subterranean crypt, is brimming with history and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches serve as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the planet's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and stunning coloured windows form a soaring, luminous space of welcome that defies easy labels as "cold". Adding to the appeal of this less-visited location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above the city, the cathedral commands sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque historic centre all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alps. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the bell tower. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 800-year-old edifice presents a diverse programme of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, making it a popular venue in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and devotion of its builders. In the Second World War, 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 created a profoundly beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity during a time of war—an inspiring site to see decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

The pink sandstone cathedral in Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres around. Perched on a hill above the River Aveyron, this immense, castle-like medieval marvel has survived hundreds of years of history's tumult. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and towering pillars, all framing a massive organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. The true gaze, however, is often drawn to the hypnotic leer of the scores of writhing gargoyles that seem to erupt from the outside walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford stands in a remote field, accessible only by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, visitors walk towards a building that resembles a barn from a far away. Its construction is mostly from the 1200s, but within, traces of an older pre-Norman structure become visible. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s remain in place. The overall atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—a characteristic perhaps designed to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. Its remarkable feature, though, lies in its windows. Every single one were designed by the celebrated painter Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the church that he decided to create the other windows, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a serene setting is a blissful experience. Entry to this unique treasure is gratis.