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Throughout Europe, numerous cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. From modernist creations to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most captivating examples as shared by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable example of modernist architecture. Its clean, graceful exterior mirrors the nearby scenery and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Inside, visitors can discover possibly the most cozy church benches one could ever sit on. A breathtaking glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming might not be for everyone, but it exudes a powerful feeling of grandeur. Exiting this magnificent building following an musical performance to witness the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

I never understood what visitors seek in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

Its gardens bursting with blooms and plants provide a spectacular vista of Nice. The cemetery there holds the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the essence of a place of worship. While it cannot rival grander buildings, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed generations of faith. Being there evoked a feeling greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound realization of the comfort these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italian religious architecture, boasting stunning marble and imposing cupolas. However, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, with an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's two main churches serve as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in Germany

Below Essen in the town of this location stands one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass create a soaring, light-filled interior of warmth that challenges simple labels as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend from the picturesque historic centre down to the lake and the far-off Alps. Entry to the church is free, and for a small fee, visitors can ascend the spire. Beyond its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular views, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a varied programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a popular venue in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders. In the 1940s, at the request of the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they created a beautiful space imbued with love and peace during a global conflict—an inspiring site to visit many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Set high up above the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like medieval wonder has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and towering pillars, all framing a colossal organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. One's gaze, though, is often captured by the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of twisting gargoyles that seem to burst out of the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like primeval protectors of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford stands in a remote field, accessible only by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, visitors walk towards a structure that resembles a barn from a distance. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s remain in place. The overall effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a feature perhaps intended to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its true glory, however, is its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's child. Chagall was so taken with the site that he decided to design the other panes, a task completed in 1985. The windows showcase a magnificent range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful environment is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is free.