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Across Europe, countless churches stand as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, we present some of the most captivating ones as shared by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking specimen of 20th-century design. Its simple, elegant exterior mirrors the nearby landscape and evokes traditional local huts. Inside, guests will find what are arguably the most cozy church benches one could hope to sit on. One stunning glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ might not be for all tastes, but it exudes a profound sense of grandeur. Leaving this magnificent structure after an musical performance to see the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy 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.

Its gardens bursting with blooms and plants offer a spectacular panorama over Nice. The cemetery on-site holds the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the spirit of a church. Although it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is precisely the point. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Being there evoked a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the solace such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime example of Italian religious architecture, featuring exquisite marble and imposing domes. However, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

South of the city of Essen in the town of Neviges stands one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass form a lofty, light-filled space of welcome that challenges easy categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing example of engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the cathedral offers views that extend from the charming old town down to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alps. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the spire. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and breathtaking views, this 12th-century building presents a varied programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a popular venue in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Created by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and faith of its creators. In the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using scraps of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space full of hope and serenity amidst a global conflict—an inspiring site to visit many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in 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 survived hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and towering columns, centered around a colossal pipe organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by time. The true gaze, though, is often captured by the hypnotic stare of the scores of twisting gargoyles that appear to erupt from the outside stonework. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, visitors make their way towards a structure that looks more like a barn from a far away. Its construction is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of medieval frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 18th century are still in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite unassuming—a characteristic perhaps intended to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable surface is adorned with luminous religious icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, though, lies in its windows. Every single one were designed by the celebrated artist Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's child. The artist was so taken with the site that he offered to design the other windows, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Admission to this unique treasure is gratis.