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Throughout Europe, numerous cathedrals serve as testaments to belief, heritage, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most captivating examples recommended by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking specimen of 20th-century architecture. Its clean, graceful exterior mirrors the surrounding scenery and echoes historic local huts. Within, visitors can discover what are arguably the most cozy church benches one could hope to experience. A stunning glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ might not appeal to everyone, but it radiates a powerful feeling of majesty. Exiting the magnificent building following an organ recital to see the northern lights dancing in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

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

The gardens filled with flowers and herbs offer a magnificent panorama of Nice. A graveyard there holds the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the spirit of a place of worship. Although it would never compare to more ornate establishments, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed generations of faith. Being there evoked a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the solace these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime example of Italy's religious art, featuring stunning marble and massive domes. Yet, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This medieval round church, with an subterranean vault, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

Below the city of Essen in the municipality of this location rises one of the planet's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows form a soaring, luminous interior of welcome that defies easy labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the cathedral commands views that extend from the picturesque historic centre all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alps. Admission to the church is free, and for a modest charge, you can climb the spire. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 12th-century building presents a varied schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a humbling experience with the skill and faith of its builders. In the 1940s, at the request of the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity during a global conflict—an uplifting place to visit decades on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez dominates the horizon for miles around. Perched on a hill above the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like Gothic marvel has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and soaring columns, centered around a colossal pipe organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. One's attention, though, is often captured by the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that appear to burst out of the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like ancient guardians of this striking church.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, you make their way towards a structure that resembles a barn from a far away. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an earlier pre-Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The overall atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could encounter. Externally, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a feature possibly intended to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its true glory, though, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were created by the celebrated artist Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a family's daughter. The artist was so taken with the site that he decided to create the remaining panes, a task finished in 1985. The windows showcase a magnificent range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a serene environment is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this unique place is gratis.