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Across Europe, numerous cathedrals serve as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist creations to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most remarkable examples as shared by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking example of modernist architecture. The clean, graceful facade mirrors the nearby scenery and echoes traditional local huts. Inside, guests can discover what are arguably the most comfortable church benches one could hope to experience. A breathtaking mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming might not be for all tastes, but it radiates a powerful sense of grandeur. Leaving this magnificent structure after an musical performance to witness the northern lights flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

The grounds bursting with blooms and plants offer a spectacular panorama over Nice. A graveyard there contains the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the essence of a church. Although it cannot rival grander buildings, that is precisely the point. For centuries, it has unobtrusively soaked up generations of faith. Being there produced a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the solace such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of squares and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italian religious architecture, featuring stunning marble and massive cupolas. However, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, including an subterranean crypt, is brimming with history and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and stunning stained glass create a lofty, luminous interior of welcome that defies easy labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited destination is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently above Lausanne, the cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the picturesque historic centre all the way to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a varied programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular cultural hub in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and devotion of its creators. In the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades converted a pair of military huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful space full of hope and serenity during a time of war—an inspiring site to visit decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres around. Perched high up above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic marvel has survived hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and towering columns, centered around a massive organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by time. One's attention, though, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that seem to burst out of the exterior stonework. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty 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 grass verge, you walk towards a structure that looks more like a barn from a distance. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but within, evidence of an older pre-Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 18th century are still in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a feature perhaps intended to not attract suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, however, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were created by the celebrated artist Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a local couple's child. Chagall was so impressed by the site that he decided to design the remaining panes, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a blissful sensation. Admission to this unique treasure is free.