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Across Europe, countless cathedrals stand as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old havens, we present some of the most captivating ones recommended by knowledgeable visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable example of 20th-century design. The clean, graceful exterior mirrors the nearby scenery and evokes historic local huts. Within, visitors can discover possibly the most cozy pews one could ever sit on. A breathtaking glass mosaic depicting Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Exiting the impressive structure after an musical performance to witness the northern lights flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

Its grounds bursting with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular vista of the city. A graveyard there contains the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the essence of a place of worship. While it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up centuries of faith. Being there produced a sensation greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the comfort such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and narrow streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italian religious art, boasting stunning marble and imposing cupolas. However, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, with an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with history and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

South of the city of Essen in the town of this location rises one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a modernist triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and dazzling stained glass form a soaring, light-filled interior of welcome that challenges simple categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the charming historic centre down to the lake and the far-off Alps. Admission to the church is free, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 12th-century edifice hosts a diverse schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and faith of its creators. During the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his comrades converted a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using scraps of whatever they could find, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity during a time of war—an inspiring place to visit decades on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for miles around. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like medieval wonder has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and soaring columns, all framing a massive organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by time. One's attention, though, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that appear to erupt from the exterior stonework. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, you make their way to a building that resembles a farm building from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an earlier pre-Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s are still in place. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches one could encounter. Externally, the Nativity Church is quite unassuming—a feature possibly intended to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The result is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's true glory, however, is its windows. Every single one were designed by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a local couple's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the site that he decided to create the other windows, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a serene setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Entry to this unique place is gratis.