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Throughout the continent, countless churches serve as monuments of faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. From modernist creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most captivating ones as shared by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking specimen of 20th-century design. Its simple, elegant exterior mirrors the surrounding scenery and evokes traditional local huts. Within, visitors can discover possibly the most comfortable pews anyone could hope to experience. A stunning glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Exiting the magnificent building following an organ recital to see the northern lights flickering overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

The gardens filled with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular vista of the city. A graveyard on-site contains the resting place of artist Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the essence of a church. Although it would never compare to grander buildings, that is exactly the point. It has quietly absorbed centuries of belief. Sitting there produced a feeling greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep realization of the comfort such spaces can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, boasting exquisite stonework and imposing domes. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This medieval round church, including an underground vault, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

South of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the world's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows form a soaring, light-filled space of welcome that defies easy categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking the city, the cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend from the charming old town all the way to the lake and the distant Alps. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its impressive medieval structure and spectacular views, this 800-year-old edifice 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 WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and faith of its builders. During the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space imbued with love and peace during a time of war—an uplifting site to see decades on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for miles in every direction. Set on a hill above the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like medieval marvel has weathered hundreds of years of history's tumult. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and soaring pillars, all framing a massive organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. One's gaze, though, is often captured by the mesmerizing leer of the scores of writhing gargoyles that appear to erupt from the outside stonework. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Parking on a adjacent verge, you walk towards a building that resembles a barn from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an earlier pre-Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century remain in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a feature possibly intended to not attract suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is covered in luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is structurally rather simple. Its remarkable feature, though, is its stained glass. All twelve were created by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a local couple's child. Chagall was so impressed by the church that he offered to create the other panes, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a blissful experience. Admission to this unique place is gratis.