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Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals serve as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From contemporary creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are some of the most remarkable examples as shared by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking example of modernist design. Its simple, elegant exterior reflects the surrounding scenery and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors can discover possibly the most cozy church benches one could ever sit on. One breathtaking mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ may not be for all tastes, but it exudes a powerful feeling of majesty. Exiting the impressive structure after an musical performance to witness the northern lights flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

Its grounds bursting with blooms and plants offer a magnificent vista of the city. The cemetery there holds the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly captures the essence of a place of worship. While it would never compare to grander buildings, that is precisely its charm. It has quietly absorbed centuries of belief. Sitting there evoked a sensation beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the solace these places offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italy's religious architecture, featuring exquisite marble and massive cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, with an underground vault, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's two main churches serve as a microcosm of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the planet's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and stunning stained glass create a lofty, luminous interior of welcome that defies easy categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently overlooking Lausanne, the cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the charming old town all the way to the lake and the distant Alpine peaks. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice presents a varied schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and faith of its creators. During the 1940s, following a plea from the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space full of love and peace during a global conflict—an uplifting place to visit decades later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for miles around. Set high up above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic wonder has weathered centuries of history's tumult. Inside is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and towering pillars, all framing a colossal pipe organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by ages. The true attention, though, is often drawn to the hypnotic stare of the scores of writhing gargoyles that appear to erupt from the outside stonework. They look less carved and more fossilised, like ancient guardians of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Parking on a nearby grass verge, visitors make their way towards a building that resembles a farm building from a far away. The building is primarily from the 13th century, but within, traces of an earlier pre-Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a characteristic possibly designed to not attract attention during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous religious icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. Its true glory, though, lies in its windows. Every single one were created by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a local couple's child. Chagall was so impressed by the church that he decided to create the other windows, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a serene environment is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this unique treasure is gratis.