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Throughout Europe, countless churches stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist creations to ancient sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most remarkable ones as shared by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable example of 20th-century architecture. The simple, elegant exterior reflects the surrounding landscape and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors can discover what are arguably the most cozy pews anyone could hope to sit on. One breathtaking glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ might not be for all tastes, but it exudes a powerful feeling of majesty. Exiting the impressive building following an musical performance to witness the northern lights flickering overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

Its grounds filled with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular panorama of the city. A graveyard on-site contains the resting place of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the essence of a church. Although it would never compare to grander buildings, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up centuries of belief. Sitting there produced a feeling greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the comfort these places offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italian ecclesiastical art, featuring exquisite stonework and imposing domes. However, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, including an subterranean vault, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the town of this location rises one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and stunning coloured windows create a soaring, light-filled interior of warmth that defies easy labels as "brutalist". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free destination is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above Lausanne, the cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend from the charming old town all the way to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, you can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a diverse schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling encounter with the skill and devotion of its builders. In the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary full of hope and serenity amidst a global conflict—an uplifting place to see many years on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres around. Set high up overlooking the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic wonder has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of vaulted ceilings and towering columns, all framing a colossal pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. One's attention, however, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that appear to burst out of the outside walls. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet stands isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, visitors make their way towards a structure that looks more like a farm building from a distance. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but within, evidence of an earlier Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 18th century remain in situ. The overall atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches one could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a characteristic possibly designed to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, though, is its stained glass. Every single one were created by the renowned artist Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a family's child. Chagall was so taken with the church that he offered to create the other panes, a work finished in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this unique place is free.