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Across Europe, numerous cathedrals stand as monuments of faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. From contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable examples as shared by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking specimen of 20th-century architecture. Its clean, graceful exterior reflects the surrounding scenery and evokes traditional local huts. Inside, visitors can discover what are arguably the most comfortable pews anyone could hope to sit on. One breathtaking glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to everyone, but it exudes a profound sense of grandeur. Exiting the impressive building after an organ recital to witness the northern lights dancing in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

Its gardens bursting with blooms and plants offer a spectacular vista of the city. The cemetery there contains the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the spirit of a church. Although it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is precisely the point. It has unobtrusively soaked up centuries of faith. Being there evoked a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the solace such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, featuring stunning stonework and imposing domes. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an subterranean vault, is brimming with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

South of Essen in the municipality of this location stands one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as Mariendom, is a modernist triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows create a soaring, luminous space of warmth that defies easy labels as "cold". Adding to the allure of this tourist-free location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral commands views stretching from the charming old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse programme of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most vibrant cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and faith of its creators. In the 1940s, at the request of the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with love and peace during a global conflict—an uplifting place to see decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral in Rodez towers over the horizon for miles in every direction. Set on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like medieval wonder has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and soaring pillars, all framing a colossal pipe organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. One's attention, however, is often drawn to the hypnotic stare of the scores of writhing grotesques that appear to erupt from the exterior stonework. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like ancient guardians of this beautiful church.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, you make their way to a building that resembles a barn from a far away. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an older pre-Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century remain in place. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most magnificent churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite unassuming—a feature perhaps intended to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous religious icons and biblical scenes. The effect is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's true glory, however, is its windows. Every single one were created by the celebrated painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's child. Chagall was so taken with the church that he decided to create the remaining windows, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Entry to this extraordinary place is gratis.