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Throughout the continent, numerous cathedrals stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to centuries-old havens, we present some of the most captivating examples recommended by discerning travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking example of modernist design. Its clean, graceful facade mirrors the surrounding scenery and evokes historic Sami dwellings. Within, guests will find possibly the most comfortable church benches anyone could hope to experience. A breathtaking glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ may not be for all tastes, but it exudes a profound feeling of grandeur. Leaving this impressive building after an musical performance to see the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

For a long time, I didn't grasp what people find in churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

Its gardens bursting with flowers and herbs offer a magnificent vista of the city. The cemetery on-site holds the resting place of artist Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the spirit of a church. Although it would never compare to grander establishments, that is exactly the point. It has quietly soaked up centuries of faith. Sitting there evoked a sensation greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the comfort these places can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of squares and narrow alleys, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italy's religious art, featuring stunning marble and imposing cupolas. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque rotunda, including an underground vault, is brimming with historical charm and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

Below Essen in the town of this location rises one of the planet's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows form a soaring, light-filled space of warmth that challenges simple categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the picturesque old town down to the lake and the distant Alps. Admission to the church is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the bell tower. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a varied programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key venue in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a humbling experience with the skill and devotion of its builders. In the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary imbued with love and peace amidst a time of war—an uplifting site to see many years on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral in Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Set on a hill above the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like Gothic marvel has weathered hundreds of years of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and soaring pillars, centered around a massive pipe organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by time. The true attention, though, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing leer of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that appear to burst out of the outside stonework. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this beautiful church.

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 adjacent grass verge, you walk to a structure that resembles a farm building from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an earlier pre-Norman church can be seen. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a characteristic perhaps designed to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is covered in vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. Its true glory, however, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the renowned artist Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a local couple's daughter. Chagall was so impressed by the site that he decided to design the remaining windows, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork showcase a magnificent spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Entry to this unique treasure is free.