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Throughout Europe, countless churches serve as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old havens, here are some of the most remarkable examples recommended by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a remarkable example of modernist design. Its clean, graceful exterior mirrors the nearby scenery and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, visitors will find possibly the most cozy church benches one could hope to sit on. A breathtaking mural of glass portraying Christ's Second Coming may not appeal to everyone, but it exudes a powerful feeling of grandeur. Leaving the magnificent building after an organ recital to witness the northern lights flickering overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

The grounds filled with blooms and plants provide a magnificent panorama over the city. A graveyard there contains 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 the point. It has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of belief. Being there produced a sensation beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep realization of the solace such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italian religious architecture, featuring stunning stonework and massive cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque rotunda, including an subterranean crypt, is brimming with history and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches serve as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

South of Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and stunning coloured windows form a lofty, light-filled interior of welcome that defies easy categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently above the city, the cathedral commands views stretching from the charming old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can ascend the spire. Aside from its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old building hosts a varied schedule of free performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Created by WWII Detainees

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders. During the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with love and peace amidst a global conflict—an uplifting place to see many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez towers over the skyline for miles around. Set on a hill above the River Aveyron, this huge, fortress-like medieval wonder has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and towering columns, all framing a massive organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. One's attention, though, is often drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the scores of writhing grotesques that seem to erupt from the outside walls. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like primeval protectors of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, visitors walk to a structure that looks more like a farm building from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite unassuming—a characteristic perhaps intended to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is covered in vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's true glory, though, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the celebrated artist Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a local couple's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the site that he decided to create the remaining windows, a task completed in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a serene setting is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this extraordinary treasure is free.