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Across Europe, numerous cathedrals stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from modernist creations to ancient sanctuaries, we present some of the most captivating examples as shared by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking specimen of modernist architecture. The clean, graceful facade reflects the surrounding landscape and evokes historic local huts. Inside, visitors can discover possibly the most cozy pews one could hope to experience. One stunning mural of glass depicting the Return of Christ might not appeal to everyone, but it exudes a profound feeling of grandeur. Exiting the impressive structure after an musical performance to see the northern lights dancing in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

The gardens bursting with blooms and plants provide a spectacular vista of the city. A graveyard on-site holds the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the essence of a church. Although it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is precisely the point. It has unobtrusively absorbed generations of faith. Being there evoked a feeling greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the comfort these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime example of Italian religious art, boasting exquisite stonework and imposing domes. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, including an underground crypt, is brimming with history and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

Below Essen in the municipality of this location stands one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as Mariendom, is a modernist triumph built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and stunning stained glass form a soaring, light-filled interior of warmth that challenges easy categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited destination is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above Lausanne, the cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend from the charming old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders. In the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary full of hope and serenity during a global conflict—an uplifting site to see many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Set on a hill above the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like medieval marvel has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a awe-inspiring chamber of vaulted ceilings and towering columns, centered around a colossal organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by time. One's gaze, though, is often captured by the hypnotic leer 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 primeval guardians of this beautiful church.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough track. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, you walk towards a structure that looks more like a barn from a distance. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 18th century are still in situ. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—a characteristic possibly designed to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. Its remarkable feature, however, is its windows. Every single one were created by the renowned painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's child. The artist was so impressed by the site that he offered to create the other windows, a task completed in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling range of blues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this extraordinary place is gratis.