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Throughout Europe, countless churches serve as testaments to faith, history, and stunning artistry. From modernist masterpieces to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable examples recommended by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable example of modernist architecture. The simple, elegant exterior mirrors the surrounding landscape and evokes traditional local huts. Within, guests will find what are arguably the most cozy church benches one could ever experience. A stunning glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a profound feeling of grandeur. Leaving the impressive structure after an organ recital to see the northern lights flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

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

The gardens filled with blooms and plants offer a spectacular vista over Nice. The cemetery on-site contains the resting place of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the essence of a church. Although it would never compare to more ornate buildings, that is precisely its charm. It has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of belief. Being there produced a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the comfort such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of squares and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italy's religious architecture, boasting exquisite marble and imposing domes. Yet, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This medieval round church, with an underground crypt, is overflowing with history and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches serve as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the municipality of Neviges stands one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and stunning stained glass form a lofty, luminous interior of welcome that defies easy labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the cathedral commands sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alps. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can climb the spire. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century building hosts a diverse schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a humbling encounter with the skill and faith of its builders. In the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful space imbued with love and peace during a time of war—an inspiring place to see many years on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like medieval wonder has weathered hundreds of years of history's tumult. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and soaring columns, centered around a massive pipe organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. One's attention, however, is often drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the hundreds of twisting gargoyles that appear to burst out of the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, visitors walk to a building that looks more like a farm building from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in situ. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite unassuming—a characteristic possibly designed to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is adorned with luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. The church's true glory, though, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the celebrated painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the church that he decided to create the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this extraordinary treasure is free.