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Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals serve as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from modernist creations to ancient havens, we present some of the most captivating examples recommended by discerning visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking specimen of modernist design. Its simple, elegant facade mirrors the surrounding scenery and evokes historic local huts. Within, guests will find possibly the most cozy pews one could ever experience. A stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ may not be for all tastes, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Exiting the impressive building after an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

I never understood what visitors seek in churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

The gardens bursting with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent vista of the city. The cemetery there contains the resting place of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the essence of a place of worship. While it would never compare to grander buildings, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up generations of belief. Sitting there evoked a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep realization of the solace these places can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, featuring exquisite stonework and imposing cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This romanesque rotunda, with an underground vault, is brimming with history and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches serve as a perfect snapshot of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in Germany

Below Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the world's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass create a soaring, light-filled interior of warmth that defies easy categorization as "brutalist". Adding to the allure of this tourist-free destination is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above the city, the cathedral commands views stretching from the charming old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alps. Admission to the cathedral is free, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the spire. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 800-year-old edifice presents a varied programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and devotion of its creators. During the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From scraps of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an inspiring site to visit many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral in Rodez towers over the horizon for miles around. Set on a hill overlooking the River Aveyron, this immense, castle-like medieval wonder has weathered hundreds of years of history's tumult. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and soaring pillars, all framing a colossal pipe organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. One's attention, however, is often captured by the mesmerizing stare of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that appear to erupt from the outside stonework. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven footpath. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, you walk to a structure that resembles a farm building from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but within, evidence of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s remain in situ. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a characteristic possibly designed to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. The church's true glory, however, lies in its windows. All twelve were designed by the celebrated painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's child. Chagall was so impressed by the site that he offered to create the remaining panes, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a serene setting is a blissful experience. Admission to this unique place is free.