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Across the continent, numerous cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most remarkable ones as shared by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable example of 20th-century design. The simple, elegant exterior reflects the surrounding landscape and evokes traditional local huts. Inside, guests will find what are arguably the most comfortable pews one could ever sit on. One breathtaking mural of glass portraying Christ's Second Coming may not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a profound feeling of majesty. Exiting the magnificent building following an musical performance to see the northern lights flickering overhead is an unforgettable moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

The grounds filled with blooms and plants offer a spectacular vista of Nice. The cemetery on-site contains the resting place of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the essence of a place of worship. Although it would never compare to grander establishments, that is exactly its charm. It has quietly soaked up centuries of belief. Being there produced a feeling greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the solace such spaces can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a classic example of Italy's religious architecture, featuring exquisite marble and massive domes. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, with an subterranean vault, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the town of this location rises one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of raw concrete and stunning stained glass form a soaring, light-filled space of welcome that challenges easy labels as "brutalist". Adding to the allure of this tourist-free destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above Lausanne, the cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the charming old town all the way to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the spire. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and breathtaking views, this 12th-century edifice hosts a varied schedule of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a popular venue in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Created by WWII Detainees

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and faith of its builders. During the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity during a global conflict—an inspiring site to visit many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres around. Set high up overlooking the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like medieval wonder has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a massive pipe organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. The true attention, however, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic leer of the scores of writhing grotesques that seem to erupt from the outside stonework. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this striking church.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet stands in a remote field, accessible only by a uneven footpath. Parking on a adjacent verge, visitors walk towards a building that looks more like a farm building from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 13th century, but within, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Excavations have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a characteristic perhaps intended to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is structurally rather simple. The church's true glory, though, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the renowned painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's child. Chagall was so impressed by the church that he decided to design the remaining panes, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Entry to this unique place is free.