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Throughout the continent, numerous cathedrals serve as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most captivating examples recommended by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable specimen of modernist design. Its simple, elegant facade reflects the surrounding landscape and evokes historic Sami dwellings. Inside, guests will find possibly the most comfortable pews one could ever experience. A stunning glass mosaic depicting Christ's Second Coming may not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a powerful feeling of majesty. Leaving this impressive building after an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

Its gardens bursting with blooms and plants provide a spectacular vista of Nice. The cemetery on-site contains the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely embodies the spirit of a place of worship. While it would never compare to grander buildings, that is precisely the point. For centuries, it has unobtrusively absorbed generations of belief. Sitting there produced a feeling greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the comfort these places can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italian religious architecture, boasting stunning marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, including an underground crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of the city of Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass create a soaring, luminous space of warmth that defies simple categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers views stretching from the charming old town all the way to the lake and the distant Alps. Entry to the church is free, and for a modest charge, you can climb the spire. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice presents a diverse schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. During the Second World War, following a plea from the chaplain, artist Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace amidst a global conflict—an uplifting place to visit many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the skyline for miles around. Perched on a hill above the River Aveyron, this immense, castle-like medieval marvel has survived hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and soaring pillars, centered around a colossal pipe organ. The intricately carved pews and misericords are polished smooth by ages. The true attention, though, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing leer of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that seem to burst out of the exterior walls. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this striking church.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet stands isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven track. Parking on a adjacent verge, you walk towards a building that looks more like a farm building from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but within, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a feature possibly designed to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is covered in luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's true glory, however, is its stained glass. All twelve were created by the celebrated artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a local couple's child. The artist was so impressed by the church that he decided to design the other windows, a task completed in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this extraordinary treasure is free.