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Throughout the continent, countless cathedrals serve as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From modernist masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most captivating ones as shared by discerning travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable example of modernist design. Its clean, graceful exterior mirrors the nearby scenery and evokes historic local huts. Inside, guests will find what are arguably the most comfortable pews one could hope to experience. A breathtaking glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming might not be for all tastes, but it radiates a powerful sense of majesty. Exiting this impressive building after an musical performance to witness the northern lights flickering in the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

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

Its grounds filled with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent panorama over the city. A graveyard there holds the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the spirit of a church. While it would never compare to grander buildings, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed generations of faith. Being there produced a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the comfort these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italy's religious architecture, boasting exquisite stonework and imposing cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, with an underground crypt, is brimming with history and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in Germany

South of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and stunning stained glass form a lofty, luminous space of welcome that challenges simple categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this tourist-free location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently above Lausanne, the cathedral offers sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque old town all the way to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is free, and for a modest charge, you can climb the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular views, this 12th-century building hosts a diverse schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders. During the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space imbued with love and peace during a time of war—an uplifting place to visit many years on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for miles around. Set on a hill above the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like medieval wonder has survived centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a massive organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. The true gaze, though, is often drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the scores of writhing grotesques that seem to erupt from the outside stonework. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a nearby verge, visitors make their way to a structure that looks more like a farm building from a far away. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an older pre-Norman church become visible. Excavations have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in place. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could encounter. Externally, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a feature possibly intended to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, though, lies in its windows. All twelve were designed by the celebrated painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a local couple's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the site that he decided to create the remaining windows, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful environment is a blissful experience. Entry to this extraordinary treasure is free.