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Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most captivating examples as shared by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking example of 20th-century design. The simple, elegant exterior reflects the surrounding scenery and evokes historic local huts. Inside, guests will find possibly the most cozy pews anyone could ever sit on. A stunning glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ might not be for everyone, but it radiates a powerful sense of grandeur. Exiting this impressive structure after an musical performance to witness the northern lights dancing in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

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

Its gardens bursting with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent panorama over the city. A graveyard there holds the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the essence of a church. While it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is exactly its charm. It has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of faith. Sitting there produced a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the comfort these places can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime example of Italian religious architecture, boasting exquisite stonework and massive domes. Yet, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, including an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

South of Essen in the town of Neviges stands one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and stunning stained glass form a lofty, light-filled interior of warmth that challenges easy categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above the city, the Gothic cathedral offers views that extend from the charming old town down to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a small fee, you can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and breathtaking views, this 12th-century building hosts a varied programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular venue in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a humbling encounter with the skill and devotion of its creators. During the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. From scraps of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity amidst a global conflict—an uplifting place to see many years on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for miles around. Set on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like Gothic wonder has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and towering columns, centered around a massive pipe organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by time. The true attention, though, is often captured by the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of twisting grotesques that appear to erupt from the exterior stonework. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough track. Leaving your car on a nearby verge, visitors walk towards a structure that resembles a barn from a distance. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, evidence of an earlier pre-Norman structure become visible. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s are still in situ. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a feature perhaps designed to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, though, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the celebrated artist Marc Chagall. The project began 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 create the remaining windows, a task finished in 1985. The windows showcase a magnificent spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful experience. Entry to this unique place is gratis.