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Throughout the continent, countless cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. From modernist creations to centuries-old havens, 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 Kirke in northern Norway is a striking example of modernist design. The clean, graceful exterior mirrors the surrounding scenery and echoes historic local huts. Inside, guests can discover possibly the most cozy pews anyone could ever sit on. A breathtaking mural of glass portraying Christ's Second Coming may not be for everyone, but it radiates a profound sense of majesty. Exiting this magnificent building after an organ recital to see the northern lights dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

The gardens filled with blooms and plants offer a spectacular vista over the city. The cemetery there holds the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly captures the spirit of a church. While it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is exactly the point. It has quietly absorbed generations of faith. Sitting there evoked a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the solace such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime example of Italian religious architecture, boasting stunning stonework and massive domes. However, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This medieval round church, with an subterranean vault, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

South of Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the world's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and dazzling stained glass form a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that challenges easy labels as "brutalist". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high above the city, the cathedral offers sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the spire. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 12th-century edifice presents a varied schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and devotion of its creators. In the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted a pair of military huts into a chapel. From scraps of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an uplifting site to visit decades later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Set on a hill above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic marvel has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and soaring columns, all framing a massive pipe organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. The true gaze, though, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the scores of writhing gargoyles that seem to burst out of the outside walls. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford sits in a remote field, accessible only by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, visitors walk towards a building that looks more like a farm building from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 13th century, but within, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in place. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a characteristic possibly designed to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The effect is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. Its remarkable feature, though, lies in its windows. Every single one were created by the renowned artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's daughter. Chagall was so impressed by the church that he offered to design the remaining windows, a work finished in 1985. The windows showcase a dazzling range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Entry to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.