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Throughout the continent, countless churches serve as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from contemporary creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, we present some of the most captivating ones as shared by knowledgeable visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking specimen of modernist architecture. Its clean, graceful facade mirrors the surrounding scenery and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors will find possibly the most cozy church benches one could hope to sit on. A stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ may not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a profound sense of majesty. Leaving the impressive structure after an musical performance to witness the aurora borealis flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas 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 panorama of Nice. The cemetery there holds the resting place of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely embodies the spirit of a church. While it cannot rival grander establishments, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed centuries of belief. Sitting there produced a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the solace these places can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic illustration of Italy's ecclesiastical art, featuring exquisite stonework and imposing domes. Yet, the true highlight of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an underground vault, is brimming with historical charm and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of concrete and dazzling coloured windows form a soaring, luminous space of warmth that challenges easy categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the charming historic centre all the way to the lake and the far-off Alps. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the spire. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular views, this 12th-century building presents a varied schedule of free performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most vibrant cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and faith of its builders. During the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted a pair of military huts into a place of worship. Using scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity during a time of war—an inspiring site to see decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez towers over the horizon for miles in every direction. Set on a hill above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like medieval wonder has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and soaring columns, all framing a massive pipe organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. One's attention, however, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of twisting gargoyles that appear to burst out of the exterior stonework. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like ancient guardians of this beautiful church.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in Widford stands in a remote field, accessible only by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, visitors make their way towards a building that resembles a barn from a far away. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but within, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century remain in place. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a characteristic possibly designed to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. Its true glory, however, lies in its windows. Every single one were designed by the renowned painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's child. Chagall was so taken with the site that he offered to create the remaining panes, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork showcase a magnificent range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a peaceful setting is a blissful experience. Entry to this extraordinary place is free.