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Throughout Europe, countless churches stand as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. From modernist creations to centuries-old havens, here are a selection of the most remarkable ones as shared by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable example of modernist architecture. Its clean, graceful exterior mirrors the surrounding landscape and evokes traditional local huts. Within, guests can discover possibly the most cozy pews anyone could ever experience. A breathtaking glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ may not appeal to everyone, but it radiates a profound feeling of majesty. Leaving the impressive structure after an musical performance to see the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

Its grounds bursting with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular vista of the city. A graveyard on-site holds the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the essence of a church. While it cannot rival grander establishments, that is exactly the point. It has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Sitting there produced a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a deep realization of the solace such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italian religious art, boasting stunning marble and imposing domes. However, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, with an underground vault, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches serve as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the town of this location rises one of the planet's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows form a soaring, light-filled interior of warmth that challenges simple labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited destination is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral commands views stretching from the charming old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alps. Entry to the church is free, and for a small fee, you can climb the bell tower. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 800-year-old edifice presents a varied schedule of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key venue in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a humbling experience with the skill and devotion of its creators. During the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his comrades converted a pair of military huts into a chapel. From scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they created a beautiful space full of hope and serenity amidst a global conflict—an uplifting place to visit decades on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres around. Perched on a hill overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like Gothic wonder has weathered hundreds of years of history's tumult. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and soaring pillars, centered around a massive organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. The true gaze, though, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing leer of the scores of twisting grotesques that seem to burst out of the exterior stonework. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like primeval guardians of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, you walk to a structure that resembles a farm building from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 13th century, but within, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Excavations have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s are still in place. The overall atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a characteristic perhaps designed to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, however, is its windows. Every single one were created by the renowned artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the site that he offered to design the other windows, a task completed in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent spectrum of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this extraordinary place is gratis.