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Throughout the continent, numerous cathedrals serve as testaments to belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. From contemporary creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are some of the most remarkable ones recommended by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking example of modernist design. Its clean, graceful exterior mirrors the surrounding landscape and echoes historic local huts. Within, visitors can discover possibly the most comfortable pews anyone could ever sit on. A breathtaking glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ may not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a profound feeling of majesty. Exiting this magnificent structure following an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

Its gardens bursting with flowers and herbs offer a magnificent panorama over Nice. A graveyard on-site holds the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the spirit of a church. While it cannot rival grander establishments, that is precisely the point. It has unobtrusively soaked up centuries of belief. Being there evoked a feeling greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the solace these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italy's ecclesiastical art, featuring stunning marble and imposing domes. However, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, with an underground vault, is brimming with historical charm and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the town of this location rises one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and stunning stained glass create a soaring, luminous space of warmth that challenges simple categorization as "cold". Adding to the allure of this less-visited location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above the city, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend from the picturesque historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the spire. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and spectacular views, this 12th-century edifice presents a varied schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key cultural hub in the nation's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling experience with the skill and devotion of its creators. During the 1940s, following a plea from the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful space imbued with love and peace during a global conflict—an inspiring place to visit decades later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the horizon for miles in every direction. Perched high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, fortress-like medieval marvel has weathered centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a massive pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by ages. The true gaze, however, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic leer of the scores of twisting grotesques that seem to erupt from the outside walls. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, 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, accessible only by a rough footpath. Parking on a nearby verge, visitors walk to a building that looks more like a barn from a far away. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an older pre-Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent churches one could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a feature possibly designed to not attract attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. Its true glory, however, is its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the celebrated painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a family's child. Chagall was so taken with the church that he offered to design the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a blissful experience. Entry to this extraordinary place is free.