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Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals serve as monuments of belief, heritage, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to ancient havens, we present some of the most captivating ones recommended by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking specimen of 20th-century design. The clean, graceful exterior mirrors the surrounding landscape and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors will find what are arguably the most cozy church benches one could hope to experience. A stunning mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming may not appeal to everyone, but it exudes a powerful feeling of majesty. Exiting the impressive building following an organ recital to witness the northern lights dancing in the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

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

The grounds bursting with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent panorama of Nice. A graveyard on-site holds the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly captures the spirit of a place of worship. While it would never compare to more ornate establishments, that is precisely the point. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up generations of faith. Being there produced a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep realization of the comfort these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and narrow streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a classic illustration of Italy's ecclesiastical art, boasting stunning stonework and imposing domes. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 1100s. This romanesque rotunda, with an subterranean crypt, is brimming with historical charm and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the town of this location rises one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows form a lofty, luminous space of warmth that challenges easy categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this tourist-free location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently above the city, the cathedral commands views that extend from the charming historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Admission to the cathedral is free, and for a modest charge, you can climb the bell tower. Aside from its impressive medieval structure and spectacular views, this 12th-century building presents a varied programme of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, making it a popular cultural hub in the nation's most lively artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling encounter with the craftsmanship and faith of its builders. In the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they created a profoundly beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity during a time of war—an inspiring place to visit many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the horizon for miles around. Set on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, fortress-like medieval wonder has weathered centuries of history's tumult. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and towering columns, all framing a colossal pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by ages. The true attention, though, is often captured by the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that appear to burst out of the exterior walls. They look less carved and more fossilised, like ancient guardians of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough track. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, you make their way towards a building that resembles a barn from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, evidence of an older pre-Norman structure become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a feature possibly designed to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's true glory, though, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the celebrated artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a local couple's child. The artist was so impressed by the church that he decided to design the other windows, a work finished in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a peaceful environment is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this extraordinary place is gratis.