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Throughout Europe, countless churches serve as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from modernist creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most captivating examples recommended by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable example of modernist design. The clean, graceful facade mirrors the surrounding landscape and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Within, visitors will find possibly the most cozy pews anyone could ever sit on. One stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ might not be for all tastes, but it radiates a profound sense of majesty. Exiting the magnificent building after an musical performance to see the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

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

The grounds filled with flowers and herbs offer a magnificent vista over Nice. A graveyard on-site contains the resting place of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the spirit of a church. While it cannot rival grander establishments, that is precisely its charm. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Being there evoked a sensation beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the solace such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of squares and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italy's religious art, featuring exquisite stonework and massive cupolas. However, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, including an subterranean vault, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve 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 rises one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of raw concrete and stunning stained glass create a soaring, luminous space of welcome that challenges simple categorization as "brutalist". Adding to the appeal of this less-visited location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently overlooking the city, the cathedral commands views that extend from the charming old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, you can ascend the spire. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century building presents a varied schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most vibrant cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the skill and devotion of its creators. During the 1940s, following a plea from the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From scraps of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an inspiring site to see decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for miles around. Set high up above the River Aveyron, this immense, castle-like medieval marvel has survived centuries of history's tumult. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and soaring pillars, all framing a colossal pipe organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. One's gaze, however, is frequently captured by the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that seem to burst out of the exterior walls. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like primeval protectors of this striking church.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough track. Parking on a adjacent verge, you walk to a building that looks more like a barn from a far away. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but within, evidence of an older pre-Norman church become visible. Excavations have revealed Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a characteristic possibly designed to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's true glory, though, is its windows. All twelve were designed by the renowned painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the site that he decided to design the other windows, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork showcase a magnificent range of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this extraordinary place is free.