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Across the continent, countless cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. From modernist creations to ancient havens, here are some of the most captivating examples as shared by knowledgeable visitors.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a remarkable specimen of 20th-century design. Its clean, graceful facade mirrors the nearby landscape and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors can discover what are arguably the most cozy church benches anyone could ever sit on. One breathtaking glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a profound feeling of grandeur. Leaving the magnificent structure after an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an unforgettable experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

I never understood what people find in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

The grounds filled with blooms and plants offer a magnificent vista of the city. A graveyard on-site contains the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely embodies the essence of a place of worship. While it cannot rival grander establishments, that is exactly the point. It has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Sitting there evoked a feeling greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the solace such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italy's religious art, featuring exquisite stonework and massive domes. However, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, with an underground crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

South of the city of Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a lofty, luminous interior of welcome that challenges easy categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free destination is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the picturesque historic centre all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the cathedral is free, and for a modest charge, you can climb the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a diverse programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. In the 1940s, following a plea from the chaplain, artist Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful space full of love and peace during a global conflict—an uplifting place to visit many years on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres around. Set on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like Gothic marvel has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and towering pillars, all framing a colossal pipe organ. The intricately carved pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. One's gaze, however, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of twisting grotesques that seem to erupt from the exterior stonework. They seem less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, you walk towards a structure that resembles a barn from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century remain in place. The overall effect 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 visually overwhelming churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather unassuming—a feature possibly intended to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, however, lies in its windows. Every single one were designed by the celebrated painter Marc 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 design the remaining windows, a work completed in 1985. The windows showcase a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this unique place is gratis.