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Across the continent, countless cathedrals serve as testaments to belief, heritage, and stunning artistry. Ranging from modernist creations to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most captivating examples recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking example of 20th-century architecture. The clean, graceful facade reflects the surrounding landscape and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, guests will find what are arguably the most cozy church benches one could ever experience. A breathtaking glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ might not be for all tastes, but it radiates a profound sense of majesty. Exiting the magnificent structure after an musical performance to witness the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

The gardens filled with flowers and herbs offer a magnificent vista over the city. The cemetery there contains the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the essence of a place of worship. While it would never compare to more ornate buildings, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up generations of belief. Being there evoked a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the solace such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of squares and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italian religious architecture, featuring exquisite marble and massive domes. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, with an subterranean vault, is brimming with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the world's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass create a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that defies easy categorization as "brutalist". Adding to the allure of this less-visited destination is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently above the city, the cathedral commands sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alps. Admission to the church is free, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the spire. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 800-year-old building presents a varied programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and faith of its builders. In the Second World War, following a plea from the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace amidst a global conflict—an uplifting place to visit decades later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for miles around. Set on a hill above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic marvel has survived hundreds of years of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a colossal organ. Its intricately carved seats and ledges are polished smooth by time. One's attention, however, is often captured by the mesmerizing leer of the hundreds of twisting grotesques that appear to erupt from the outside walls. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like primeval protectors of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford stands in a remote field, accessible only by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, you walk towards a building that looks more like a farm building from a far away. Its construction is mostly from the 13th century, but within, evidence of an older pre-Norman structure become visible. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in situ. The overall atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a characteristic perhaps designed to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. Its true glory, though, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the site that he decided to create the remaining panes, a task completed in 1985. The windows showcase a magnificent range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a blissful experience. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is free.