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Across Europe, numerous cathedrals serve as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning artistry. From contemporary masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most captivating examples recommended by discerning travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking example of 20th-century architecture. The clean, graceful exterior mirrors the surrounding landscape and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors will find what are arguably the most cozy church benches anyone could ever sit on. A breathtaking mural of glass portraying Christ's Second Coming might not be for all tastes, but it exudes a powerful sense of majesty. Exiting the magnificent building following an musical performance to witness the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

Its grounds bursting with blooms and plants offer a spectacular panorama of the city. The cemetery on-site contains the resting place of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the spirit of a place of worship. While it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is precisely its charm. It has quietly soaked up centuries of belief. Sitting there evoked a sensation beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep realization of the solace such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of squares and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italian religious art, boasting exquisite marble and massive domes. Yet, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, with an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a perfect snapshot of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

South of the city of Essen in the town of this location rises one of the planet's most breathtaking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows form a lofty, luminous space of welcome that challenges simple labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the picturesque old town all the way to the lake and the distant Alps. Admission to the church is free, and for a small fee, you can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 12th-century edifice hosts a varied schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and faith of its builders. During the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful space full of love and peace amidst a time of war—an uplifting site to visit decades on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the horizon for miles around. Set high up above the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like Gothic marvel has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and soaring columns, all framing a massive pipe organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. One's gaze, though, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the scores of twisting gargoyles that appear to burst out of the outside stonework. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits in a remote field, accessible only by a rough track. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, visitors make their way towards a structure that resembles a barn from a far away. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s remain in place. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a characteristic perhaps designed to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. Its true glory, though, lies in its windows. All twelve were created by the celebrated painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a local couple's child. Chagall was so taken with the church that he offered to design the other windows, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this extraordinary place is free.