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Across Europe, numerous churches serve as testaments to faith, history, and stunning artistry. Ranging from contemporary creations to ancient havens, we present some of the most remarkable ones recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking example of modernist architecture. The clean, graceful exterior mirrors the surrounding landscape and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Within, guests will find possibly the most comfortable pews one could hope to sit on. One stunning mural of glass portraying Christ's Second Coming may not be for all tastes, but it exudes a profound feeling of grandeur. Leaving this magnificent structure after an musical performance to see the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

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

Its gardens filled with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular panorama of the city. The cemetery there contains the resting place of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the spirit of a church. Although it would never compare to more ornate establishments, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has unobtrusively absorbed generations of belief. Sitting there produced a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the comfort such spaces can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italian ecclesiastical architecture, featuring stunning marble and massive cupolas. However, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an underground vault, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

Below Essen in the town of this location stands one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass create a soaring, light-filled space of warmth that defies simple categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited destination is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers views that extend from the picturesque old town down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Admission to the cathedral is free, and for a modest charge, you can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 800-year-old building hosts a varied programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key venue in Switzerland's most vibrant cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and faith of its creators. In the 1940s, at the request of the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they created a beautiful space imbued with love and peace during a global conflict—an uplifting place to visit decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, fortress-like medieval wonder has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and towering pillars, all framing a massive pipe organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. One's gaze, however, is often captured by the hypnotic leer of the scores of writhing grotesques that appear to erupt from the outside stonework. They seem less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in Widford sits in a remote field, accessible only by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, visitors walk to a building that resembles a barn from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but within, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century remain in situ. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most magnificent churches anyone could imagine. Externally, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a feature possibly intended to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. Its true glory, though, lies in its windows. Every single one were designed by the celebrated painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a local couple's child. The artist was so impressed by the site that he offered to design the other windows, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling range of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this unique place is gratis.