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Throughout Europe, numerous cathedrals serve as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. From contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are some of the most remarkable ones as shared by discerning visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking specimen of modernist architecture. The simple, elegant facade mirrors the nearby scenery and evokes historic local huts. Within, visitors can discover what are arguably the most cozy pews anyone could hope to experience. One breathtaking mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ may not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a powerful feeling of majesty. Leaving this magnificent structure after an musical performance to see the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

I never understood what visitors seek in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

Its grounds bursting with blooms and plants provide a magnificent vista of Nice. The cemetery on-site contains the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely embodies the spirit of a church. While it cannot rival grander establishments, that is precisely the point. It has quietly soaked up generations of belief. Being there produced a feeling greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep realization of the solace such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime example of Italian ecclesiastical art, featuring exquisite marble and imposing domes. However, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, with an underground vault, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's two main churches serve as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in Germany

South of Essen in the town of this location rises one of the planet's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and stunning stained glass create a soaring, light-filled interior of welcome that defies easy labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this tourist-free location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above the city, the Gothic cathedral commands views stretching from the charming historic centre all the way to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 12th-century building hosts a varied programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key venue in the nation's most vibrant cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and faith of its builders. In the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace amidst a time of war—an uplifting place to see many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the horizon for miles in every direction. Set high up above the River Aveyron, this immense, castle-like Gothic marvel has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and towering columns, all framing a colossal organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are polished smooth by time. One's attention, though, is often captured by the mesmerizing stare of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that seem to erupt from the outside walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in Widford stands in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, visitors make their way to a building that resembles a farm building from a far away. The building is primarily from the 13th century, but inside, evidence of an earlier pre-Norman church become visible. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 18th century are still in place. The overall atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches anyone could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a feature perhaps intended to not attract attention during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is covered in vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. Its 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 memorial window in memory of a family's child. The artist was so taken with the church that he decided to design the remaining panes, a task completed in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a serene setting is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this unique place is free.