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Throughout Europe, numerous cathedrals stand as monuments of faith, history, and stunning artistry. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most captivating examples recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable example of 20th-century design. Its clean, graceful exterior reflects the surrounding landscape and echoes traditional local huts. Within, guests can discover possibly the most cozy pews anyone could ever sit on. A stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ may not be for all tastes, but it exudes a profound sense of majesty. Exiting the magnificent structure following an musical performance to see the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

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 offer a magnificent panorama over the city. A graveyard on-site contains the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely embodies the spirit of a church. While it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is exactly the point. It has quietly absorbed centuries of belief. Sitting there evoked a sensation greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the comfort these places can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, boasting stunning marble and massive domes. Yet, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, with an subterranean vault, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

Below Essen in the municipality of this location stands one of the planet's most breathtaking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of concrete and dazzling stained glass form a lofty, luminous interior of welcome that challenges easy labels as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers views that extend from the picturesque old town all the way to the lake and the distant Alps. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, you can climb the bell tower. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a varied schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular venue in the nation's most vibrant cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. In the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From scraps of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity during a global conflict—an inspiring site to visit decades on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres around. Set high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like Gothic marvel has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and towering pillars, centered around a colossal pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by ages. One's attention, however, is often drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the hundreds of twisting gargoyles that seem to burst out of the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Parking on a nearby verge, visitors walk to a structure that looks more like a farm building from a far away. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, evidence of an older pre-Norman structure become visible. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 18th century are still in situ. The overall atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a characteristic perhaps designed to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, 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 all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, though, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the celebrated artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's child. Chagall was so taken with the church that he decided to create the remaining windows, a task finished in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a blissful sensation. Entry to this extraordinary place is free.