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Throughout the continent, countless cathedrals serve as testaments to belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist creations to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most captivating ones recommended by discerning visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable specimen of 20th-century design. Its clean, graceful exterior reflects the nearby scenery and evokes historic local huts. Inside, visitors will find possibly the most cozy church benches one could ever experience. A breathtaking glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ may not appeal to everyone, but it exudes a powerful feeling of majesty. Exiting this impressive building following an musical performance to see the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

Its gardens filled with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular panorama of Nice. A graveyard on-site holds the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the spirit of a church. Although it would never compare to grander buildings, that is exactly the point. It has quietly soaked up centuries of faith. Being there evoked a feeling greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep realization of the comfort these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italy's religious art, featuring stunning stonework and imposing cupolas. However, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, with an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the municipality of this location rises one of the world's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a modernist triumph built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of raw concrete and stunning stained glass create a lofty, light-filled interior of welcome that challenges easy labels as "cold". Adding to the allure of this tourist-free destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible example of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above the city, the cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the charming old town all the way to the lake and the far-off Alps. Entry to the church is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular views, this 12th-century building presents a varied programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular venue in Switzerland's most lively 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 humbling experience with the skill and faith of its builders. In the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his comrades converted a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space imbued with love and peace amidst a global conflict—an uplifting place to visit many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Perched high up above the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like medieval marvel has weathered hundreds of years of history's tumult. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, all framing a massive organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. The true attention, however, is often drawn to the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of twisting gargoyles that appear to burst out of the outside walls. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford stands in a remote field, accessible only by a uneven footpath. Parking on a nearby verge, visitors make their way towards a structure that resembles a farm building from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 1200s, but within, traces of an earlier pre-Norman church become visible. Excavations have revealed Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s remain in situ. The overall effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—a feature possibly intended to not attract suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. The church's true glory, however, lies in its windows. All twelve were designed by the renowned artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a local couple's child. Chagall was so taken with the site that he decided to create the remaining windows, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork showcase a magnificent spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a peaceful setting is a blissful experience. Entry to this extraordinary place is gratis.