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Across the continent, numerous cathedrals stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning artistry. From contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old havens, here are a selection of the most captivating ones recommended by knowledgeable visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a remarkable specimen of 20th-century design. Its simple, elegant facade reflects the surrounding landscape and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Within, guests can discover possibly the most cozy pews anyone could ever sit on. One stunning mural of glass depicting the Return of Christ might not appeal to everyone, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Exiting the impressive structure after an musical performance to witness the northern lights dancing in the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

I never understood what visitors seek in churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

Its gardens bursting with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent vista of the city. A graveyard on-site holds the resting place of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the essence of a church. Although it cannot rival grander establishments, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, 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 these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italian ecclesiastical architecture, featuring stunning marble and massive cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This medieval round church, including an subterranean vault, is brimming with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

South of the city of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows form a lofty, luminous space of welcome that defies easy labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above Lausanne, the cathedral commands views stretching from the charming old town down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the spire. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice presents a varied programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and devotion of its creators. In the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. From scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they created a profoundly beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an inspiring place to see many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral in Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres around. Set high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like medieval wonder has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a massive organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. The true attention, however, is often drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the scores of twisting grotesques that seem to burst out of the outside stonework. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford sits in a remote field, accessible only by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, visitors walk towards a structure that looks more like a farm building from a far away. Its construction is mostly from the 1200s, but within, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century remain in situ. The overall effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a characteristic possibly intended to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable surface is adorned with vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, established in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, though, is its windows. All twelve were designed by the celebrated painter Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a local couple's child. Chagall was so impressed by the church that he decided to create the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is free.