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Throughout the continent, countless cathedrals stand as testaments to belief, heritage, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable examples recommended by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking specimen of modernist architecture. Its clean, graceful facade reflects the surrounding scenery and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, visitors can discover possibly the most comfortable church benches one could ever experience. One breathtaking mural of glass portraying Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Leaving the magnificent structure following an musical performance to see the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an unforgettable moment.

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 was different.

The grounds filled with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular vista over Nice. A graveyard on-site contains the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly captures the spirit of a place of worship. While it would never compare to more ornate establishments, that is exactly the point. It has quietly soaked up generations of faith. Sitting there evoked a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the comfort such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italy's ecclesiastical art, featuring stunning stonework and massive cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, with an subterranean crypt, is brimming with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

South of the city of Essen in the town of this location rises one of the planet's most breathtaking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and stunning stained glass create a soaring, luminous space of warmth that defies easy labels as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing example of engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the cathedral commands views stretching from the charming historic centre all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the spire. Aside from its impressive medieval structure and spectacular views, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a diverse programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular venue in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine 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. In the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space full of hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an uplifting place to see many years on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the skyline for kilometres around. Set on a hill overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like Gothic wonder has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and soaring pillars, centered around a colossal pipe organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. One's attention, though, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of twisting grotesques that appear to erupt from the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like primeval protectors of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford sits in a remote field, accessible only by a rough track. Leaving your car on a nearby verge, visitors walk to a structure that resembles a barn from a far away. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but within, evidence of an older pre-Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s remain in situ. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a feature possibly designed to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, however, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the celebrated artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's daughter. The artist was so taken with the church that he decided to create the other panes, a work finished in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is free.