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Across Europe, numerous cathedrals serve as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, we present some of the most remarkable ones recommended by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking specimen of 20th-century architecture. Its clean, graceful exterior reflects the surrounding scenery and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Within, guests will find what are arguably the most cozy church benches anyone could hope to sit on. One stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a powerful sense of majesty. Leaving this impressive building following an musical performance to see the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

I never understood what people find in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

Its grounds filled with blooms and plants provide a magnificent vista over Nice. A graveyard on-site contains the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the essence of a church. While it would never compare to more ornate establishments, that is precisely the point. It has unobtrusively soaked up generations of faith. Sitting there evoked a sensation beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep realization of the comfort such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic example of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, featuring exquisite stonework and imposing domes. However, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 1100s. This medieval round church, with an underground crypt, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

Below Essen in the town of this location rises one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass create a soaring, light-filled space of welcome that defies easy categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure 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 overlooking Lausanne, the cathedral commands views that extend from the picturesque historic centre all the way to the lake and the distant Alps. Admission to the cathedral is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the spire. Aside from its impressive medieval structure and breathtaking views, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a popular cultural hub in the nation's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and faith of its builders. During the 1940s, following a plea from the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. From scraps of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space full of love and peace amidst a time of war—an inspiring place to visit many years on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

The pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for miles in every direction. Perched on a hill overlooking the River Aveyron, this immense, castle-like Gothic marvel has survived centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of vaulted ceilings and towering columns, all framing a colossal pipe organ. Its intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. One's attention, however, is often drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the hundreds of twisting grotesques that appear to erupt from the outside walls. They seem less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough track. Leaving your car on a nearby verge, visitors walk towards a building that resembles a farm building from a distance. The building is primarily from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an older pre-Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 18th century remain in situ. The overall atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches anyone could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather unassuming—a characteristic perhaps intended to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is adorned with luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's true glory, though, is its windows. All twelve were created by the celebrated painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a family's child. Chagall was so impressed by the site that he offered to create the other windows, a task completed in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling range of blues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a blissful sensation. Entry to this unique treasure is gratis.