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Across the continent, numerous cathedrals stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and breathtaking artistry. From modernist masterpieces to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable ones as shared by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a remarkable example of modernist architecture. Its clean, graceful exterior mirrors the surrounding scenery and echoes traditional local huts. Inside, visitors can discover possibly the most cozy church benches anyone could hope to experience. A stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ may not appeal to everyone, but it radiates a powerful sense of majesty. Exiting the impressive building following an musical performance to witness the northern lights dancing in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

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

The grounds bursting with blooms and plants offer a magnificent panorama over Nice. The cemetery on-site contains the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the essence of a place of worship. While it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is precisely the point. It has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of belief. Being there evoked a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep realization of the comfort such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of squares and narrow streets, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italian ecclesiastical art, boasting stunning marble and imposing domes. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This medieval round church, with an underground vault, is brimming with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the municipality of this location rises one of the planet's most breathtaking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and dazzling coloured windows form a lofty, luminous space of warmth that challenges easy labels as "cold". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently above the city, the Gothic cathedral commands views that extend from the charming old town down to the lake and the far-off Alps. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can climb the spire. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the skill and devotion of its creators. In the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace amidst a time of war—an uplifting site to see decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

The pink sandstone cathedral in Rodez towers over the horizon for miles around. Set high up overlooking the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic marvel has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and towering pillars, all framing a colossal organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. One's gaze, though, is frequently captured by the hypnotic stare of the scores of writhing gargoyles that seem to burst out of the outside stonework. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet stands isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, visitors make their way to a structure that resembles a barn from a distance. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but within, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s remain in situ. The overall atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—a characteristic perhaps intended to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The effect is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, however, is its windows. All twelve were created by the celebrated painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a local couple's child. The artist was so impressed by the site that he decided to create the remaining windows, a task finished in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.