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Throughout the continent, numerous cathedrals serve as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most captivating ones recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable example of 20th-century design. Its clean, graceful facade reflects the nearby landscape and echoes historic local huts. Inside, guests can discover possibly the most comfortable pews one could hope to experience. One stunning glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ may not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a profound feeling of grandeur. Exiting the magnificent building after an organ recital to see the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

The grounds bursting with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular panorama over the city. A graveyard there holds the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the spirit of a church. Although it would never compare to more ornate buildings, that is precisely its charm. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Sitting there evoked a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the solace these places can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic example of Italy's religious art, boasting stunning marble and imposing domes. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an underground vault, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the town of this location stands 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 between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a lofty, light-filled space of warmth that challenges simple categorization as "cold". Adding to the appeal of this less-visited destination is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently overlooking the city, the cathedral commands views stretching from the picturesque historic centre all the way to the lake and the far-off Alps. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, you can ascend the spire. Beyond its remarkable medieval structure and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice presents a varied programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and faith of its creators. In the 1940s, at the request of the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they created a profoundly beautiful space full of hope and serenity during a global conflict—an uplifting place to see decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres around. Perched high up above the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like Gothic marvel has survived hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and soaring columns, all framing a colossal pipe organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. One's gaze, however, is often drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the scores of writhing gargoyles that appear to burst out of the exterior walls. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this beautiful church.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford sits in a remote field, accessible only by a uneven track. Parking on a adjacent verge, visitors make their way to a building that resembles a barn from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but within, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 18th century remain in situ. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most magnificent churches anyone could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a feature possibly designed to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. The church's true glory, though, lies in its windows. Every single one were created by the renowned artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's daughter. Chagall was so impressed by the church that he offered to create the remaining panes, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling range of blues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.