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Throughout the continent, numerous churches serve as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From modernist masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most captivating examples recommended by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking example of 20th-century architecture. Its simple, elegant exterior reflects the nearby scenery and evokes traditional local huts. Inside, guests will find possibly the most comfortable church benches anyone could hope to experience. One stunning glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a powerful sense of grandeur. Leaving this magnificent structure following an musical performance to see the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

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

Its grounds filled with blooms and plants offer a spectacular panorama of Nice. A graveyard there contains the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly captures the spirit of a church. While it cannot rival grander buildings, that is precisely its charm. It has unobtrusively soaked up centuries of faith. Sitting there evoked a sensation greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound 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 Baroque New Cathedral is a classic illustration of Italian ecclesiastical art, boasting stunning marble and massive cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, with an underground vault, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of the city of Essen in the municipality of this location rises one of the world's most breathtaking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a soaring, light-filled space of warmth that challenges easy categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above the city, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the picturesque old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alpine peaks. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 12th-century edifice presents a diverse schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular venue in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by WWII Detainees

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and devotion of its creators. In the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using scraps of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful space full of hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an inspiring site to visit many years on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez towers over the horizon for miles around. Set high up above the Aveyron River, this immense, fortress-like medieval marvel has survived hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, all framing a massive pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by time. The true attention, though, is often drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the hundreds of twisting gargoyles that seem to erupt from the outside walls. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, you walk to a structure that looks more like a farm building from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, evidence of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The overall atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a feature possibly intended to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is structurally rather simple. Its remarkable feature, though, is its windows. Every single one were created by the celebrated artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's daughter. Chagall was so impressed by the church that he decided to create the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The windows showcase a magnificent range of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a blissful sensation. Admission to this unique treasure is free.