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Across Europe, countless churches serve as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. From contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old sanctuaries, we present some of the most captivating ones recommended by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking example of modernist design. Its clean, graceful exterior mirrors the surrounding scenery and evokes historic local huts. Within, visitors can discover possibly the most cozy pews one could hope to experience. A breathtaking mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming might not be for all tastes, but it radiates a powerful sense of grandeur. Leaving the impressive building following an organ recital to witness the northern lights flickering overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

Its gardens filled with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent vista of Nice. The cemetery there contains the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the spirit of a church. While it cannot rival grander establishments, that is precisely the point. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up centuries of faith. Sitting there produced a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep realization of the solace these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of squares and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italian ecclesiastical art, boasting exquisite stonework and imposing domes. However, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This medieval round church, including an subterranean crypt, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that defies simple categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently overlooking Lausanne, the cathedral commands sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque historic centre down to the lake and the far-off Alps. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 12th-century edifice presents a diverse programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a popular venue in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Created by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and devotion of its creators. In the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful space full of love and peace amidst a global conflict—an inspiring place to visit decades later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Set on a hill above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic marvel has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and soaring pillars, centered around a massive organ. The elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by ages. The true gaze, however, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the scores of writhing gargoyles that appear to erupt from the outside walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking church.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Parking on a nearby verge, visitors walk towards a building that resembles a farm building from a distance. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an older pre-Norman structure become visible. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s remain in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near the historic city, is home to one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a feature perhaps intended to not attract suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is covered in vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. The church's true glory, though, is its stained glass. Every single one were created by the renowned artist Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's daughter. The artist was so taken with the site that he decided to create the remaining panes, a work completed in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Entry to this extraordinary treasure is free.