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Throughout Europe, numerous churches stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning artistry. From modernist creations to ancient sanctuaries, we present some of the most remarkable ones as shared by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable example of 20th-century design. Its simple, elegant exterior mirrors the nearby scenery and echoes historic local huts. Inside, guests will find possibly the most comfortable pews one could hope to experience. A stunning glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ may not be for all tastes, but it exudes a powerful feeling of grandeur. Leaving the impressive building following an musical performance to witness the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

The gardens filled 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 small chapel that genuinely embodies the spirit of a church. While it would never compare to grander buildings, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has unobtrusively soaked up generations of faith. Sitting there produced a sensation beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the solace such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of squares and narrow streets, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italian ecclesiastical art, boasting stunning stonework and massive domes. Yet, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This medieval round church, including an subterranean crypt, 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 Glass and Concrete Wonder in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows create a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that defies simple categorization as "cold". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above Lausanne, the cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the charming old town down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the spire. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old building hosts a varied programme of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key venue in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a humbling encounter with the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders. During the Second World War, following a plea from the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. From scraps of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful space full of hope and serenity amidst a global conflict—an inspiring place to visit decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Perched on a hill above the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like Gothic marvel has survived hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and towering pillars, centered around a massive organ. The intricately carved pews and misericords are polished smooth by ages. One's attention, though, is often captured by the mesmerizing stare of the scores of writhing grotesques that seem to burst out of the exterior stonework. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough track. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, you make their way to a structure that resembles a barn from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an earlier pre-Norman structure become visible. Excavations have revealed Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 18th century remain in situ. The overall atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a characteristic perhaps designed to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is adorned with vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, though, is its windows. All twelve were designed by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a family's child. The artist was so taken with the site that he decided to design the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork showcase a magnificent range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a peaceful environment is a blissful sensation. Admission to this unique place is gratis.