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Across Europe, countless cathedrals serve as testaments to belief, heritage, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old havens, here are a selection of the most captivating examples recommended by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking specimen of modernist architecture. The clean, graceful facade reflects the surrounding scenery and echoes historic local huts. Within, visitors will find possibly the most comfortable church benches one could ever sit on. A stunning glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ might not be for all tastes, but it radiates a powerful sense of majesty. Leaving the magnificent building following an organ recital to witness the northern lights dancing overhead is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

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

Its grounds filled with blooms and plants provide a magnificent panorama over the city. The cemetery there contains the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the essence of a church. Although it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has unobtrusively absorbed generations of faith. Being there produced a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a deep realization of the comfort these places can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a classic example of Italy's religious art, boasting stunning stonework and massive cupolas. However, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, with an underground crypt, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

Below Essen in the municipality of this location rises one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and dazzling stained glass form a soaring, luminous interior of warmth that challenges simple labels as "cold". Adding to the appeal of this less-visited destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend from the picturesque old town all the way to the lake and the far-off Alps. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, you can climb the spire. Beyond its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular views, this 12th-century edifice presents a diverse programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular venue in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Created by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling encounter with the craftsmanship and faith of its builders. During the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace amidst a time of war—an inspiring site to see decades later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for miles around. Perched on a hill above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic marvel has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and towering columns, all framing a colossal organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. One's attention, though, is often captured by the mesmerizing stare of the scores of writhing gargoyles that seem to erupt from the exterior stonework. They look less sculpted and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this beautiful church.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough track. Parking on a nearby grass verge, you make their way towards a structure that looks more like a barn from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 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

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Nativity Church is rather unassuming—a characteristic perhaps designed to not attract attention during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. Its true glory, though, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were created by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the church that he decided to design the remaining windows, a task completed in 1985. The windows showcase a dazzling range of blues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a blissful experience. Entry to this extraordinary place is gratis.