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Across the continent, countless cathedrals stand as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from modernist creations to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable examples as shared by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking specimen of modernist design. The clean, graceful exterior reflects the nearby scenery and evokes traditional local huts. Within, guests will find possibly the most cozy pews anyone could hope to experience. One stunning mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to everyone, but it exudes a powerful feeling of majesty. Exiting this magnificent building following an organ recital to see the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

The grounds filled with flowers and herbs offer a magnificent vista over the city. The cemetery on-site contains the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the essence of a place of worship. While it cannot rival grander buildings, that is exactly the point. It has unobtrusively absorbed generations of faith. Sitting there produced a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the solace such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italian ecclesiastical art, featuring exquisite stonework and massive cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, with an subterranean vault, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's two main churches serve as a perfect snapshot of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

South of 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 modernist triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of concrete and stunning coloured windows form a soaring, light-filled space of welcome that challenges easy categorization as "brutalist". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend from the charming old town all the way to the lake and the far-off Alps. Admission to the cathedral is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse programme of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a humbling encounter with the skill and faith of its creators. In the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they created a beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity during a time of war—an inspiring site to visit many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Perched high up overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like medieval marvel has survived hundreds of years of history's tumult. Inside is a awe-inspiring space of vaulted ceilings and soaring pillars, centered around a colossal organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. One's attention, however, is often drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the scores of twisting gargoyles that seem to erupt from the exterior stonework. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval guardians of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet stands in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a nearby verge, visitors walk towards a structure that looks more like a farm building from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an older pre-Norman church become visible. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a feature possibly intended to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, however, is its windows. All twelve were designed by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's daughter. Chagall was so impressed by the church that he decided to design the other panes, a task finished in 1985. The windows showcase a magnificent spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Entry to this unique place is gratis.