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Throughout Europe, numerous cathedrals serve as testaments to belief, heritage, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist creations to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most remarkable ones as shared by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable example of modernist architecture. The simple, elegant facade mirrors the surrounding landscape and echoes traditional local huts. Inside, visitors can discover possibly the most comfortable pews one could ever sit on. One stunning glass mosaic depicting Christ's Second Coming may not be for everyone, but it radiates a powerful sense of majesty. Leaving this magnificent structure following an musical performance to see the northern lights flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

For a long time, I didn't grasp what people find in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

Its gardens filled with blooms and plants offer a spectacular panorama over Nice. A graveyard there holds the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the spirit of a church. Although it would never compare to grander buildings, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed generations of belief. Sitting there evoked a sensation greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound realization of the solace these places offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italy's religious architecture, featuring exquisite stonework and massive domes. However, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, with an underground crypt, is brimming with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in Germany

South of Essen in the municipality of this location stands one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a lofty, light-filled space of warmth that challenges easy labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently overlooking the city, the cathedral commands views that extend from the charming historic centre all the way to the lake and the distant Alps. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a small fee, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key venue in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the skill and faith of its creators. In the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary full of hope and serenity during a global conflict—an inspiring place to visit many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for miles around. Set on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like Gothic marvel has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and soaring columns, centered around a massive organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. The true attention, though, is frequently captured by the hypnotic leer of the scores of twisting grotesques that appear to erupt from the exterior stonework. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like primeval guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a rough track. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, you make their way to a structure that looks more like a barn from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an earlier Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century remain in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a feature possibly intended to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable surface is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The effect is truly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 1100s, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its true glory, however, is its windows. All twelve were created by the celebrated artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's daughter. The artist was so taken with the church that he decided to create the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The windows showcase a dazzling range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a serene environment is a blissful experience. Admission to this unique place is gratis.