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Throughout the continent, countless cathedrals serve as monuments of faith, history, and stunning artistry. Ranging from contemporary creations to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most remarkable ones recommended by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking specimen of 20th-century design. The simple, elegant facade reflects the nearby scenery and echoes historic local huts. Within, visitors will find possibly the most cozy pews one could ever experience. One breathtaking mural of glass portraying Christ's Second Coming may not be for all tastes, but it exudes a profound feeling of majesty. Leaving the impressive structure following an organ recital to see the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

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

The grounds bursting with blooms and plants offer a spectacular panorama of the city. The cemetery there holds the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the spirit of a place of worship. Although it would never compare to grander buildings, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of belief. Being there evoked a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a deep realization of the solace such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and winding alleys, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime example of Italy's religious art, featuring exquisite stonework and massive domes. However, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, with an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the town of this location rises one of the planet's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and stunning stained glass form a lofty, light-filled space of warmth that challenges easy categorization as "cold". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free destination is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the cathedral offers sweeping vistas stretching from the charming historic centre all the way to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the spire. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular views, this 12th-century edifice presents a diverse programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key venue in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Created by WWII Detainees

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and faith of its builders. In the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful space full of love and peace amidst a time of war—an uplifting site to visit decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez towers over the skyline for miles around. Set on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like Gothic wonder has survived hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and towering pillars, centered around a massive organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. The true gaze, though, is often drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that seem to burst out of the exterior walls. They look less sculpted and more fossilised, like primeval protectors of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough track. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, you make their way towards a building that looks more like a farm building from a distance. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an older pre-Norman church become visible. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 18th century are still in situ. The overall atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

The village, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a characteristic perhaps intended to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, though, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were created by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's daughter. Chagall was so impressed by the church that he decided to design the other panes, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a blissful sensation. Entry to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.