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Throughout Europe, numerous churches stand as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from contemporary creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most remarkable examples as shared by knowledgeable visitors.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking example of modernist architecture. Its clean, graceful exterior mirrors the surrounding scenery and echoes historic local huts. Inside, visitors will find what are arguably the most cozy pews one could hope to experience. A stunning mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming may not be for everyone, but it exudes a profound feeling of grandeur. Leaving the impressive structure after an musical performance to see the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

I never understood what visitors seek in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

Its grounds bursting with blooms and plants offer a spectacular panorama over the city. The cemetery on-site holds the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the essence of a church. Although it would never compare to more ornate establishments, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up centuries of faith. Sitting there produced a feeling greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep realization of the comfort such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Nestled within a maze of squares and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italian ecclesiastical art, featuring stunning marble and imposing cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, with an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in Germany

South of Essen in the municipality of this location stands one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and stunning stained glass create a lofty, luminous interior of welcome that challenges simple categorization as "brutalist". Adding to the allure of this less-visited location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing example of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers views stretching from the charming old town down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is free, and for a small fee, you can ascend the spire. Aside from its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a varied schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key cultural hub in the nation's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and faith of its creators. During the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an inspiring site to visit many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for miles around. Perched on a hill above the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like Gothic marvel has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and soaring pillars, centered around a colossal pipe organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. The true gaze, though, is often captured by the mesmerizing leer of the hundreds of twisting gargoyles that appear to erupt from the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Parking on a adjacent verge, you walk to a building that looks more like a barn from a distance. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an older pre-Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a feature perhaps designed to not attract suspicion during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The result is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 1100s, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, however, is its windows. Every single one were designed by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. It started 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 create the remaining panes, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling range of blues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Entry to this unique place is free.