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Across the continent, countless cathedrals serve as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to centuries-old sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most remarkable examples recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable specimen of 20th-century architecture. The clean, graceful facade reflects the nearby landscape and echoes traditional local huts. Within, visitors can discover possibly the most cozy church benches one could ever sit on. A breathtaking glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ might not be for everyone, but it radiates a profound sense of majesty. Leaving this magnificent structure after an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an unforgettable moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

The gardens bursting with blooms and plants provide a magnificent panorama over Nice. A graveyard on-site contains the grave of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the essence of a place of worship. Although it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up centuries of faith. Sitting there evoked a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the solace these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a classic illustration of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, boasting exquisite stonework and massive domes. However, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, with an underground vault, is brimming with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

Below the city of Essen in the town of Neviges stands one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows form a lofty, luminous space of welcome that challenges easy labels as "brutalist". Adding to the appeal of this less-visited destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently overlooking the city, the cathedral commands sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque old town down to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is free, and for a small fee, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable medieval structure and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key venue in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a humbling experience with the skill and faith of its creators. During the 1940s, following a plea from the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they created a profoundly beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity amidst a global conflict—an uplifting place to visit decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for kilometres around. Set high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like medieval marvel has survived hundreds of years of history's tumult. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and towering pillars, centered around a massive pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. One's attention, however, is often drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the scores of writhing grotesques that appear to erupt from the outside stonework. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, visitors make their way towards a structure that looks more like a barn from a distance. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a feature possibly intended to not attract attention during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is structurally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, however, lies in its windows. All twelve were designed by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a family's child. Chagall was so taken with the site that he decided to design the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The windows showcase a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a profoundly calming sensation. Entry to this unique place is gratis.