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Throughout Europe, numerous cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From contemporary creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, we present some of the most captivating ones recommended by discerning visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking specimen of 20th-century design. The clean, graceful facade reflects the surrounding landscape and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Inside, guests can discover what are arguably the most cozy church benches anyone could ever experience. One breathtaking glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ might not be for everyone, but it exudes a profound sense of grandeur. Exiting the magnificent structure following an organ recital to see the northern lights dancing overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

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

The gardens bursting with blooms and plants provide a spectacular panorama of Nice. The cemetery on-site contains the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the essence of a church. Although it cannot rival grander buildings, that is exactly the point. It has quietly soaked up centuries of faith. Sitting there evoked a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the solace such spaces can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italian religious architecture, featuring exquisite marble and massive cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, with an underground crypt, is brimming with history and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches serve as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

Below Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the planet's most breathtaking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows form a lofty, luminous space of warmth that defies simple labels as "brutalist". Adding to the appeal of this less-visited location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above the city, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas stretching from the charming historic centre all the way to the lake and the distant Alps. Admission to the church is free, and for a modest charge, you can climb the spire. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a varied schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular venue in the nation's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders. During the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. From scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they created a beautiful space full of love and peace amidst a time of war—an uplifting place to visit decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres around. Set on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like medieval marvel has survived hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and soaring pillars, all framing a colossal pipe organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. The true gaze, however, is often captured by the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that appear to burst out of the outside walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, visitors walk towards a structure that resembles a barn from a distance. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but within, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The overall effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather unassuming—a characteristic possibly intended to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, though, is its windows. All twelve were designed by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the site that he offered to create the remaining windows, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.