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Across Europe, countless cathedrals serve as testaments to faith, history, and stunning artistry. From contemporary creations to ancient sanctuaries, here are some of the most remarkable ones as shared by discerning travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable specimen of 20th-century design. Its simple, elegant facade reflects the surrounding landscape and echoes traditional local huts. Inside, guests can discover what are arguably the most cozy church benches anyone could ever sit on. One stunning glass mosaic depicting Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a profound sense of majesty. Leaving the magnificent building following an musical performance to witness the northern lights dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

The grounds filled with blooms and plants offer a spectacular panorama over Nice. A graveyard there contains the resting place of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the spirit of a church. Although it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is exactly the point. It has unobtrusively absorbed generations of belief. Sitting there evoked a feeling greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound realization of the comfort these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic example of Italian religious architecture, featuring exquisite marble and massive domes. However, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an underground vault, is overflowing with history and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

South of Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the planet's most breathtaking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows form a lofty, light-filled interior of warmth that challenges easy labels as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this tourist-free location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral offers views stretching from the picturesque historic centre down to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the cathedral is free, and for a small fee, you can ascend the spire. Aside from its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century edifice presents a varied programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling experience with the skill and devotion of its builders. During 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 sanctuary full of love and peace during a global conflict—an inspiring site to visit decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for miles around. Set high up above the River Aveyron, this huge, fortress-like Gothic wonder has survived hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a colossal organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by time. The true attention, though, is often captured by the mesmerizing stare of the scores of writhing grotesques that seem to erupt from the outside walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a rough footpath. Parking on a adjacent verge, visitors walk to a building that resembles a barn from a far away. Its construction is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an earlier pre-Norman church can be seen. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s remain in place. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—a characteristic perhaps designed to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its true glory, though, is its windows. Every single one were created by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's child. Chagall was so taken with the church that he offered to design the other windows, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a blissful sensation. Admission to this unique treasure is free.