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Across the continent, countless cathedrals stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. From contemporary masterpieces to ancient havens, here are a selection of the most captivating examples as shared by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable example of 20th-century design. The clean, graceful exterior reflects the surrounding landscape and evokes historic local huts. Within, guests can discover possibly the most comfortable church benches one could ever experience. One breathtaking glass mosaic depicting Christ's Second Coming may not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a powerful sense of majesty. Leaving this impressive building following an organ recital to witness the northern lights flickering in the sky is an unforgettable experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

I never understood what visitors seek in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

The grounds filled with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular vista of the city. A graveyard there contains the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the essence of a church. Although it would never compare to grander buildings, that is precisely the point. For centuries, it has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of belief. Sitting there evoked a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the solace such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italian religious art, boasting exquisite stonework and massive domes. However, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, including an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of the city of Essen in the municipality of this location rises one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and stunning stained glass create a soaring, light-filled space of warmth that challenges easy categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque historic centre down to the lake and the far-off 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 panoramas, this 800-year-old building hosts a varied programme of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key venue in the nation's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and devotion of its builders. In the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful space imbued with love and peace amidst a time of war—an inspiring site to visit many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the skyline for miles in every direction. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like medieval marvel has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and soaring columns, centered around a massive pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. One's gaze, though, is often drawn to the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that seem to erupt from the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like primeval protectors of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in Widford sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Parking on a nearby verge, you walk to a building that looks more like a barn from a distance. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an older pre-Norman church become visible. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s remain in situ. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a feature possibly designed to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is adorned with vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is truly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. Its true glory, however, is its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the celebrated painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the church that he offered to design the remaining windows, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork showcase a magnificent spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a serene environment is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this extraordinary treasure is free.