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Throughout Europe, numerous cathedrals stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, we present some of the most captivating examples recommended by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking example of 20th-century architecture. The simple, elegant exterior reflects the surrounding landscape and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, guests will find possibly the most comfortable church benches anyone could ever experience. One stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ may not appeal to everyone, but it radiates a powerful sense of majesty. Exiting the impressive building after an organ recital to see the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

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

The gardens filled with blooms and plants offer a magnificent vista of Nice. A graveyard on-site contains the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the spirit of a church. Although it would never compare to more ornate establishments, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Being there produced a feeling greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the comfort such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italian ecclesiastical art, featuring exquisite marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, with an underground crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

South of the city of Essen in the town of Neviges stands one of the planet's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and dazzling coloured windows form a lofty, light-filled interior of welcome that defies easy labels as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque old town down to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can climb the spire. Aside from its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century building presents a varied schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key venue in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and faith of its creators. During the Second World War, following a plea from the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space imbued with love and peace amidst a global conflict—an inspiring site to visit many years on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

The pink sandstone cathedral in Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres around. Perched on a hill overlooking the River Aveyron, this immense, castle-like medieval marvel has survived hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and soaring pillars, all framing a massive pipe organ. The intricately carved pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. One's attention, though, is often captured by the mesmerizing leer of the hundreds of twisting grotesques that appear to burst out of the outside walls. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Parking on a nearby grass verge, you make their way towards a structure that resembles a farm building from a far away. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an older pre-Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a characteristic perhaps intended to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous religious icons and biblical scenes. The effect is truly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. The church's true glory, however, is its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the celebrated painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's child. The artist was so taken with the site that he offered to design the remaining windows, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this unique treasure is free.