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Across the continent, numerous cathedrals serve as testaments to belief, heritage, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are some of the most remarkable examples recommended by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking specimen of 20th-century architecture. The simple, elegant exterior reflects the nearby landscape and evokes historic local huts. Within, visitors can discover what are arguably the most cozy church benches one could ever sit on. One breathtaking glass mosaic depicting Christ's Second Coming may not be for everyone, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Leaving this magnificent building after an organ recital to witness the northern lights flickering overhead is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

For a long time, I didn't grasp what people find in churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

The grounds bursting with blooms and plants provide a spectacular vista of the city. A graveyard there contains the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the spirit of a place of worship. Although it would never compare to more ornate buildings, that is exactly the point. It has unobtrusively soaked up generations of faith. Sitting there evoked a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the solace these places can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italy's religious architecture, boasting stunning marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, with an subterranean crypt, is brimming with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches serve as a microcosm of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the town of this location rises one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and stunning stained glass create a lofty, light-filled space of welcome that challenges simple categorization as "brutalist". Adding to the allure of this less-visited location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high above the city, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas stretching from the charming old town down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the spire. Aside from its impressive medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century edifice presents a varied programme of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most vibrant cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and faith of its builders. In the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, artist Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they created a beautiful space full of hope and serenity amidst a global conflict—an inspiring site to visit many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for miles around. Perched on a hill above the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like Gothic wonder has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and towering pillars, all framing a colossal pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. One's attention, however, is often captured by the hypnotic stare of the scores of twisting gargoyles that seem to erupt from the exterior stonework. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this beautiful church.

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 adjacent grass verge, you walk to a structure that looks more like a barn from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an older pre-Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s remain in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches one could imagine. Externally, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a feature possibly intended to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, however, is its windows. 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. Chagall was so impressed by the church that he offered to design the remaining windows, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling range of blues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a serene setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.