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Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and stunning artistry. Ranging from contemporary creations to ancient havens, we present some of the most captivating ones recommended by knowledgeable visitors.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable specimen of 20th-century architecture. Its simple, elegant facade reflects the surrounding landscape and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors will find what are arguably the most cozy pews one could ever sit on. One stunning mural of glass depicting the Return of Christ might not be for everyone, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Leaving this impressive structure after an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

I never understood what visitors seek in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

The gardens bursting with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent panorama over the city. A graveyard there contains the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely embodies the essence of a church. While it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is precisely its charm. For centuries, it has unobtrusively soaked up generations of faith. Being there evoked a feeling greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep realization of the comfort these places can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of squares and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italian religious art, boasting exquisite stonework and imposing domes. However, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This romanesque rotunda, with an subterranean crypt, is brimming with history and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and stunning stained glass create a soaring, light-filled space of welcome that defies easy labels as "cold". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the charming historic centre all the way to the lake and the far-off Alps. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a small fee, you can climb the bell tower. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century edifice presents a diverse programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing 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 chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an uplifting site to see decades on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the skyline for miles around. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like Gothic wonder has weathered centuries of history's tumult. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and soaring columns, all framing a massive pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. One's gaze, however, is often drawn to the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that seem to burst out of the outside stonework. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet stands in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough track. Leaving your car on a nearby verge, visitors walk to a building that resembles a barn from a far away. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but within, evidence of an older pre-Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite unassuming—a characteristic possibly designed to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. Its true glory, however, is its windows. Every single one were created by the celebrated artist Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the site that he decided to create the remaining panes, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling range of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a blissful experience. Entry to this unique place is free.