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Across Europe, countless cathedrals stand as testaments to belief, heritage, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable examples recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking example of 20th-century architecture. The clean, graceful facade reflects the surrounding scenery and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, guests will find possibly the most cozy pews anyone could hope to sit on. A stunning glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to everyone, but it radiates a profound feeling of grandeur. Exiting this impressive building after an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis flickering in the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

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

Its gardens filled with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular panorama over the city. A graveyard there contains the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly captures the essence of a church. While it cannot rival grander buildings, that is precisely the point. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up centuries of belief. Being there produced a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the solace such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of squares and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a classic example of Italy's ecclesiastical art, boasting stunning marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This medieval round church, including an underground vault, is overflowing with history and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches serve as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

South of Essen in the town of this location rises one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and stunning coloured windows create a soaring, light-filled space of welcome that challenges easy categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this tourist-free destination is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently overlooking Lausanne, the cathedral offers views that extend from the charming old town down to the lake and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a varied schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular venue in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling encounter with the skill and faith of its creators. In the 1940s, at the request of the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity during a global conflict—an uplifting site to visit decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral in Rodez dominates the skyline for miles around. Perched high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like Gothic wonder has survived centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and towering pillars, centered around a colossal organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. The true gaze, however, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the scores of twisting grotesques that appear to burst out of the outside stonework. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking church.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, visitors make their way to a structure that looks more like a barn from a distance. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but within, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman church can be seen. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in situ. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a feature possibly designed to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is covered in vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, however, lies in its windows. All twelve were created by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's child. The artist was so taken with the church that he decided to design the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Entry to this unique treasure is gratis.