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Across Europe, countless cathedrals stand as testaments to belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. From modernist masterpieces to ancient havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable examples recommended by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a remarkable specimen of 20th-century architecture. Its clean, graceful facade mirrors the surrounding scenery and evokes traditional local huts. Within, guests can discover possibly the most comfortable church benches anyone could ever sit on. A breathtaking mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming may not be for everyone, but it radiates a powerful feeling of grandeur. Exiting the magnificent building following an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

The gardens filled with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular vista over Nice. A graveyard there holds the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the essence of a church. Although it would never compare to grander establishments, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed generations of faith. Sitting there evoked a sensation greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep realization of the comfort such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime example of Italy's ecclesiastical art, featuring stunning stonework and imposing domes. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, including an subterranean vault, is brimming with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches serve as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

South of the city of Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and stunning stained glass form a lofty, light-filled interior of welcome that defies simple labels as "cold". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free destination is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas stretching from the charming historic centre all the way to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular venue in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and faith of its builders. In the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with love and peace during a global conflict—an inspiring place to see many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for miles in every direction. Perched on a hill above the River Aveyron, this huge, fortress-like Gothic wonder has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and towering pillars, centered around a colossal organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. One's gaze, though, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing stare of the scores of twisting gargoyles that seem to erupt from the outside stonework. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, visitors make their way to a building that looks more like a barn from a distance. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an older pre-Norman church become visible. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a characteristic possibly intended to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is structurally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, though, lies in its windows. All twelve were created by the celebrated painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the church that he decided to design the other panes, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork showcase a magnificent range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a serene environment is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.