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Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most captivating examples recommended by knowledgeable visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable specimen of 20th-century architecture. The simple, elegant exterior mirrors the surrounding landscape and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Inside, guests can discover what are arguably the most cozy pews anyone could hope to experience. A stunning glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ may not be for everyone, but it exudes a powerful feeling of grandeur. Leaving the impressive building following an organ recital to witness the northern lights dancing in the sky is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

I never understood what people find in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

Its grounds filled with blooms and plants provide a spectacular vista over the city. The cemetery there holds the resting place of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the spirit of a church. While it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed generations of belief. Sitting there evoked a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the comfort such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italy's ecclesiastical art, boasting exquisite stonework and imposing domes. However, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, including an underground vault, is brimming with history and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the municipality of this location rises one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a soaring, light-filled interior of welcome that defies simple labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the cathedral commands views that extend from the picturesque historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alps. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the spire. Aside from its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old building hosts a varied programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. In the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity during a time of war—an uplifting site to visit many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Set on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, fortress-like Gothic wonder has weathered centuries of history's tumult. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and soaring pillars, all framing a colossal organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. The true gaze, however, is often captured by the mesmerizing leer of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that appear to erupt from the exterior walls. They look less sculpted and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven track. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, visitors make their way towards a building that resembles a farm building from a distance. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but within, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s are still in situ. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches one could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a characteristic possibly designed to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable surface is covered in luminous religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, though, lies in its windows. Every single one were created by the celebrated artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the site that he decided to create the remaining panes, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is free.