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Throughout Europe, numerous cathedrals stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist creations to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable ones as shared by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking specimen of modernist architecture. Its simple, elegant exterior mirrors the surrounding scenery and echoes historic local huts. Inside, visitors will find possibly the most comfortable church benches anyone could ever sit on. One stunning glass mosaic depicting Christ's Second Coming may not be for all tastes, but it radiates a profound sense of majesty. Exiting this impressive building following an musical performance to see the aurora borealis flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

I never understood what people find in churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

Its gardens bursting with blooms and plants provide a magnificent panorama over the city. The cemetery on-site contains the resting place of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the essence of a church. Although it cannot rival grander buildings, that is precisely the point. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed generations of faith. Sitting there evoked a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the solace such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic example of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, boasting stunning marble and massive domes. However, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, with an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches serve as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the municipality of Neviges stands one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a soaring, light-filled interior of welcome that defies simple labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat 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 historic centre all the way to the lake and the distant Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is free, and for a small fee, you can climb the bell tower. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and faith of its creators. During the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful space full of hope and serenity during a time of war—an inspiring place to see decades on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Set on a hill above the River Aveyron, this huge, fortress-like medieval wonder has weathered hundreds of years of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and towering columns, centered around a massive pipe organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. One's gaze, though, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that seem to burst out of the exterior walls. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford stands in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, visitors make their way towards a structure that looks more like a farm building from a far away. The building is primarily from the 13th century, but within, traces of an older pre-Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

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 imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—a characteristic perhaps intended to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is covered in vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly overwhelming and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's true glory, though, is its windows. Every single one were designed by the celebrated painter Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's child. Chagall was so impressed by the church that he offered to create the other panes, a task finished in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a blissful experience. Entry to this unique place is gratis.