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Across Europe, countless cathedrals stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning artistry. Ranging from modernist creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most remarkable examples recommended by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking specimen of 20th-century design. The clean, graceful exterior reflects the surrounding landscape and echoes historic local huts. Within, visitors will find possibly the most comfortable church benches anyone could hope to sit on. A stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ might not be for all tastes, but it exudes a profound sense of grandeur. Leaving the impressive building after an musical performance to witness the northern lights dancing overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

I never understood what people find in churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

Its gardens filled with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular panorama of the city. A graveyard on-site holds the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the essence of a church. Although it cannot rival grander establishments, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up generations of belief. Being there produced a sensation beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the solace such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic example of Italy's religious architecture, featuring exquisite stonework and imposing domes. However, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, with an underground vault, is overflowing with history and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the municipality of this location stands one of the world's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and stunning stained glass create a lofty, luminous interior of welcome that challenges simple labels as "brutalist". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free destination is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high above Lausanne, the cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend from the charming old town down to the lake and the far-off Alps. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the bell tower. Aside from its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 12th-century building hosts a varied programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and faith of its creators. During the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From scraps of whatever they could find, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary full of hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an uplifting site to see many years on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for miles in every direction. Perched on a hill overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like Gothic marvel has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and soaring columns, centered around a massive pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. One's gaze, however, is often captured by the mesmerizing leer of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that appear to burst out of the exterior walls. They seem less carved and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, visitors make their way to a building that resembles a barn from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 13th century, but within, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a feature possibly intended to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is structurally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, however, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were created by the renowned painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a family's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the site that he offered to create the remaining panes, a work finished in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent spectrum of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this unique place is free.