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Across Europe, numerous cathedrals serve as monuments of faith, history, and stunning artistry. Ranging from modernist creations to ancient havens, 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 northern Norway is a striking specimen of 20th-century design. Its simple, elegant exterior reflects the surrounding scenery and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Inside, visitors can discover possibly the most comfortable pews one could ever sit on. A stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a profound feeling of grandeur. Leaving the impressive structure following an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

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

Its gardens bursting with blooms and plants offer a spectacular vista over the city. A graveyard on-site contains the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the essence of a place of worship. Although it would never compare to grander establishments, that is exactly its charm. It has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of belief. Being there evoked a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the solace such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italian religious art, boasting exquisite stonework and imposing cupolas. However, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, with an subterranean crypt, is brimming with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the municipality of Neviges stands one of the world's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and stunning stained glass form a soaring, luminous interior of warmth that defies simple labels as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high above Lausanne, the cathedral offers views stretching from the picturesque old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 800-year-old building hosts a diverse schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and devotion of its creators. During the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they created a profoundly beautiful space full of hope and serenity amidst a global conflict—an uplifting place to visit decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the horizon for miles around. Perched high up above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic marvel has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and soaring pillars, all framing a colossal organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. The true gaze, however, is often captured by the mesmerizing leer of the scores of writhing grotesques that appear to burst out of the outside stonework. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford sits in a remote field, accessible only by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, you walk to a building that looks more like a farm building from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a feature perhaps designed to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. Its remarkable feature, however, is its windows. 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. The artist was so taken with the site that he decided to create the other panes, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful setting is a blissful sensation. Entry to this extraordinary place is free.