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Across Europe, numerous cathedrals stand as testaments to belief, heritage, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from contemporary creations to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most captivating examples as shared by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a remarkable example of modernist design. The simple, elegant facade reflects the surrounding scenery and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, guests can discover what are arguably the most cozy church benches one could hope to experience. One breathtaking glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming may not appeal to everyone, but it radiates a profound feeling of grandeur. Leaving the magnificent structure after an musical performance to see the northern lights dancing in the sky is an unforgettable experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

Its gardens bursting with blooms and plants offer a spectacular vista over Nice. The cemetery on-site contains the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the spirit of a church. While it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is precisely the point. It has quietly absorbed centuries of belief. Being there produced a sensation beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep realization of the comfort such spaces can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime example of Italian religious architecture, featuring stunning stonework and massive cupolas. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, with an subterranean vault, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the municipality of Neviges stands one of the planet's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a lofty, light-filled interior of warmth that challenges easy categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited destination is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the charming historic centre down to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old building hosts a diverse schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and devotion of its builders. During the 1940s, following a plea from the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades converted two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space full of love and peace amidst a time of war—an inspiring site to see many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres around. Set high up above the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like medieval wonder has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a massive organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. One's gaze, though, is often captured by the mesmerizing stare of the scores of writhing gargoyles that seem to burst out of the outside stonework. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this striking church.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet stands isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, you walk towards a building that looks more like a barn from a distance. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, evidence of an earlier pre-Norman church can be seen. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century are still in situ. The overall atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a characteristic possibly designed to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is adorned with luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, though, is its windows. All twelve were designed by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the site that he offered to design the other panes, a work finished in 1985. The windows showcase a magnificent range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Entry to this extraordinary place is free.