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Across Europe, countless cathedrals serve as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to ancient havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable ones recommended by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking specimen of 20th-century architecture. Its simple, elegant facade mirrors the surrounding landscape and evokes traditional local huts. Within, visitors will find what are arguably the most cozy church benches anyone could hope to sit on. One stunning glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ might not be for all tastes, but it exudes a powerful feeling of majesty. Leaving this impressive building following an organ recital to see the northern lights dancing in the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

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

The grounds filled with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent vista of Nice. The cemetery there holds the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the spirit of a church. While it would never compare to more ornate buildings, that is exactly its charm. It has quietly absorbed centuries of belief. Being there produced a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the solace such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italian ecclesiastical art, featuring stunning marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This medieval round church, including an underground crypt, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the town of Neviges stands one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and stunning stained glass create a soaring, light-filled space of welcome that defies easy labels as "cold". Adding to the allure of this less-visited location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque old town all the way to the lake and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is free, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the bell tower. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a diverse programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key venue in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a humbling encounter with the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders. In the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with love and peace amidst a time of war—an inspiring place to see decades on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres around. Set on a hill overlooking the River Aveyron, this immense, castle-like Gothic marvel has weathered 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 pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. The true attention, however, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic leer of the scores of twisting grotesques that appear to erupt from the outside walls. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, visitors walk to a structure that looks more like a farm building from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an earlier pre-Norman structure become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s are still in situ. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a feature possibly designed to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, though, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the renowned painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's child. The artist was so impressed by the church that he offered to design the remaining panes, a task finished in 1985. The windows showcase a magnificent range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful environment is a profoundly calming sensation. Entry to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.