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Across the continent, numerous churches serve as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. From modernist masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most remarkable examples as shared by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable example of 20th-century architecture. The simple, elegant facade mirrors the nearby scenery and evokes traditional local huts. Within, guests will find possibly the most comfortable pews anyone could hope to sit on. A breathtaking mural of glass portraying Christ's Second Coming may not be for all tastes, but it radiates a profound sense of grandeur. Exiting the magnificent building following an musical performance to witness the northern lights flickering overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

The grounds bursting with blooms and plants provide a magnificent vista over the city. The cemetery on-site holds the grave of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the essence of a church. While it would never compare to grander establishments, that is exactly the point. It has unobtrusively soaked up generations of faith. Being there evoked a feeling greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep realization of the solace such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of squares and narrow alleys, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italian ecclesiastical art, featuring exquisite stonework and imposing domes. However, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This medieval round church, including an subterranean crypt, is brimming with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches serve as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the municipality of this location stands one of the planet's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a soaring, light-filled interior of welcome that challenges simple labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas stretching from the charming historic centre all the way to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the bell tower. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 800-year-old edifice presents a varied programme of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a humbling encounter with the craftsmanship and faith of its creators. In the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. From scraps of whatever they could find, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace during a time of war—an uplifting place to see many years on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the horizon for miles around. Perched on a hill above the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like medieval marvel has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and towering pillars, centered around a massive organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. One's gaze, though, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic leer of the scores of twisting grotesques that seem to burst out of the outside walls. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like ancient guardians of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits in a remote field, accessible only by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, you make their way to a structure that looks more like a farm building from a far away. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an older pre-Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s remain in place. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a characteristic possibly intended to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's true glory, however, lies in its windows. Every single one were created by the renowned painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a local couple's daughter. Chagall was so impressed by the site that he decided to create the other windows, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.