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Across Europe, countless cathedrals serve as monuments of faith, history, and stunning artistry. From modernist creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most remarkable ones as shared by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable example of modernist design. The clean, graceful facade reflects the nearby landscape and echoes historic local huts. Within, visitors can discover possibly the most comfortable pews anyone could hope to sit on. A breathtaking mural of glass portraying Christ's Second Coming may not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a powerful sense of majesty. Leaving the impressive building after an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

Its gardens bursting with blooms and plants offer a magnificent vista of the city. A graveyard there contains the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the spirit of a church. Although it would never compare to grander establishments, that is precisely the point. It has unobtrusively soaked up generations of faith. Sitting there evoked a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the solace such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italy's religious architecture, boasting stunning marble and massive domes. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, with an underground vault, is brimming with history and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the municipality of this location stands one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as Mariendom, is a modernist triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows form a lofty, light-filled interior of warmth that challenges easy categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this tourist-free destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently above the city, the cathedral offers views that extend from the charming old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alps. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a small fee, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 800-year-old building hosts a diverse programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a popular venue in the nation's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. In the 1940s, at the request of the chaplain, artist Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an uplifting place to see many years on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres around. Set high up overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like Gothic marvel has survived hundreds of years of history's tumult. Inside is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and towering columns, centered around a colossal organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. One's attention, though, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that appear to erupt from the exterior stonework. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this beautiful church.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, visitors make their way towards a building that looks more like a farm building from a far away. Its construction is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an earlier pre-Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

The village, near the historic city, is home to one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a characteristic perhaps intended to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, established in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its true glory, though, lies in its windows. All twelve were designed by the renowned painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a local couple's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the site that he decided to create the remaining windows, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent range of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful setting is a blissful sensation. Admission to this extraordinary place is gratis.