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Across the continent, countless cathedrals stand as monuments of faith, history, and stunning artistry. From modernist masterpieces to ancient havens, we present a selection of the most captivating ones as shared by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking specimen of modernist design. Its clean, graceful facade mirrors the nearby landscape and evokes traditional local huts. Within, visitors can discover what are arguably the most comfortable pews 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 the impressive building following an musical performance to see the northern lights flickering in the sky is an unforgettable experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

The grounds bursting with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent vista of Nice. A graveyard on-site contains the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the essence of a place of worship. While it cannot rival grander buildings, that is exactly the point. It has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of belief. Being there produced a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the solace such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, featuring stunning stonework and massive domes. However, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, including an subterranean vault, is brimming with historical charm and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a perfect snapshot of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in Germany

South of the city of Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows form a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that defies simple labels as "cold". Adding to the allure of this tourist-free location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above the city, the Gothic cathedral offers views stretching from the charming historic centre all the way to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the bell tower. Aside from its impressive medieval structure and breathtaking panoramas, this 12th-century edifice hosts a varied schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a popular venue in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling experience with the skill and devotion of its builders. In the 1940s, following a plea from the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades converted a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they created a profoundly beautiful sanctuary full of hope and serenity during a time of war—an uplifting site to visit decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez dominates the horizon for miles in every direction. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, fortress-like Gothic marvel has weathered centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and towering columns, centered around a massive organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. One's gaze, though, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of twisting grotesques that appear to burst out of the outside walls. They seem less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Parking on a nearby grass verge, you walk towards a structure that resembles a barn from a far away. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but within, traces of an earlier pre-Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a feature perhaps intended to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, though, is its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's child. Chagall was so impressed by the site that he decided to design the other panes, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is free.