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Throughout the continent, numerous cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. From contemporary masterpieces to ancient havens, we present some of the most captivating examples recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking example of modernist design. The clean, graceful facade reflects the nearby landscape and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors can discover possibly the most comfortable church benches anyone could hope to sit on. A stunning glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ may not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a profound sense of majesty. Exiting this impressive building following an musical performance to see the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

I never understood what visitors seek in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

The gardens filled with blooms and plants offer a spectacular panorama over the city. A graveyard there contains the resting place of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the spirit of a place of worship. Although it would never compare to more ornate buildings, that is precisely its charm. It has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of belief. Sitting there produced a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the solace these places can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and winding alleys, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, featuring exquisite marble and imposing domes. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, including an underground vault, is overflowing with history and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the town of this location stands one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a soaring, light-filled space of warmth that defies easy categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking the city, the cathedral offers views stretching from the picturesque historic centre down to the lake and the distant Alps. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the spire. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and breathtaking views, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse programme of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders. In the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space imbued with love and peace amidst a global conflict—an uplifting site to see many years on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for kilometres around. Set on a hill above the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like Gothic wonder has weathered hundreds of years of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, all framing a colossal pipe organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. The true gaze, however, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing stare of the hundreds of twisting gargoyles that appear to burst out of the exterior stonework. They look less carved and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford stands in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, you make their way towards a building that resembles a barn from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s remain in place. The overall atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a characteristic possibly designed to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is covered in vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, though, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were created by the celebrated painter Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's child. The artist was so taken with the site that he offered to design the other panes, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a serene setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Entry to this extraordinary place is gratis.