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Throughout the continent, numerous cathedrals serve as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From contemporary creations to ancient sanctuaries, here are some of the most remarkable examples recommended by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable example of 20th-century architecture. Its simple, elegant exterior reflects the nearby landscape and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, guests will find what are arguably the most comfortable pews anyone could ever sit on. One breathtaking mural of glass depicting the Return of Christ might not be for everyone, but it exudes a profound feeling of grandeur. Exiting the impressive building following an organ recital to witness the northern lights dancing overhead is an unforgettable moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

I never understood what people find in churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

Its grounds bursting with blooms and plants offer a spectacular panorama over the city. A graveyard there contains the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the spirit of a place of worship. While it would never compare to grander establishments, that is exactly the point. It has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of belief. Being there evoked a sensation greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the comfort these places can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and narrow alleys, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italian ecclesiastical art, featuring stunning marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches serve as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in Germany

Below the city of Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows form a lofty, luminous space of welcome that challenges simple labels as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas stretching from the charming old town all the way to the lake and the distant Alps. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the spire. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice presents a diverse programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling encounter with the skill and devotion of its creators. During the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they created a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity during a time of war—an uplifting place to visit many years on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for miles in every direction. Set on a hill above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic wonder has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and towering columns, all framing a colossal pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. One's attention, however, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the hundreds of twisting grotesques that seem to erupt from the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven track. Parking on a nearby verge, visitors walk towards a structure that looks more like a farm building from a distance. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an earlier pre-Norman structure become visible. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s remain in place. The overall atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a feature perhaps intended to not attract attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. The church's true glory, though, is its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the celebrated artist Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a local couple's child. The artist was so impressed by the church that he decided to create the other panes, a work finished in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a blissful experience. Entry to this extraordinary treasure is free.