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Throughout Europe, numerous cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and stunning artistry. From modernist masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most remarkable ones as shared by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking example of modernist design. The simple, elegant exterior reflects the surrounding scenery and echoes traditional local huts. Inside, guests can discover possibly the most comfortable church benches one could hope to sit on. A stunning mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming might not be for all tastes, but it exudes a profound feeling of grandeur. Exiting this impressive structure after an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

I never understood what visitors seek in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

Its grounds bursting with flowers and herbs offer a magnificent panorama of the city. The cemetery there contains the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the essence of a church. Although it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is exactly its charm. It has quietly absorbed generations of faith. Being there evoked a sensation greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound realization of the solace such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic example of Italy's ecclesiastical art, featuring exquisite marble and massive cupolas. However, the true highlight of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This medieval round church, including an subterranean crypt, is brimming with historical charm and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's two main churches serve as a microcosm of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

Below Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and dazzling coloured windows form a lofty, luminous space of welcome that challenges simple categorization as "cold". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the picturesque historic centre all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is free, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the bell tower. Aside from its impressive medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century building hosts a varied schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key venue in Switzerland's most vibrant cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders. During the 1940s, at the request of the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space imbued with love and peace during a global conflict—an uplifting place to see many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Perched on a hill above the River Aveyron, this immense, castle-like Gothic wonder has survived hundreds of years of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and soaring pillars, centered around a massive pipe organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. One's gaze, however, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing stare of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that appear to erupt from the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, visitors make their way towards a structure that resembles a barn from a far away. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but within, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 18th century are still in place. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a feature perhaps designed to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The effect is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is structurally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, however, is its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a local couple's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the church that he offered to design the remaining panes, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this unique place is gratis.