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Throughout the continent, numerous cathedrals serve as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From contemporary creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most remarkable ones as shared by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking specimen of modernist design. The simple, elegant facade reflects the nearby landscape and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, guests will find possibly the most comfortable church benches one could ever sit on. A breathtaking mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to everyone, but it exudes a profound sense of grandeur. Leaving the impressive building after an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis flickering in the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Panoramic Vistas 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 was different.

The gardens bursting with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular panorama of the city. A graveyard on-site holds the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly captures the essence of a church. Although it cannot rival grander buildings, that is precisely the point. It has quietly soaked up centuries of belief. Being there evoked a feeling greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound realization of the comfort such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime example of Italy's religious art, featuring exquisite stonework and massive cupolas. However, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, with an subterranean vault, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

South of the city of Essen in the town of Neviges stands one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of concrete and stunning stained glass create a soaring, luminous interior of welcome that challenges simple labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this tourist-free location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above the city, the cathedral offers views stretching from the charming old town down to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is free, and for a modest charge, you can climb the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 800-year-old building presents a varied schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling experience with the skill and devotion of its creators. During the Second World War, following a plea from the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful space full of hope and serenity amidst a global conflict—an uplifting place to see decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for miles around. Set high up above the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like Gothic wonder has survived centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and towering pillars, centered around a massive pipe organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. The true gaze, however, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the hundreds of twisting gargoyles that appear to erupt from the outside stonework. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval guardians of this beautiful church.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet stands in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough track. Parking on a nearby verge, you walk to a structure that looks more like a barn from a distance. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an earlier pre-Norman church can be seen. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century remain in situ. The overall atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather unassuming—a characteristic perhaps intended to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, though, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the celebrated painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's child. Chagall was so taken with the church that he offered to design the other panes, a work finished in 1985. The windows showcase a dazzling range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful experience. Entry to this unique treasure is free.