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Throughout Europe, countless churches serve as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Ranging from contemporary creations to centuries-old havens, we present some of the most remarkable ones as shared by discerning visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a remarkable example of 20th-century design. Its clean, graceful exterior reflects the surrounding scenery and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, visitors will find what are arguably the most cozy pews anyone could ever sit on. A stunning glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming might not be for all tastes, but it exudes a profound feeling of majesty. Leaving this magnificent structure after an musical performance to witness the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an unforgettable experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

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

The grounds filled with flowers and herbs offer a magnificent vista of the city. The cemetery there holds the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the spirit of a church. While it cannot rival grander buildings, that is precisely its charm. It has unobtrusively absorbed generations of faith. Sitting there evoked a sensation greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the comfort these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a classic example of Italian religious art, boasting exquisite stonework and massive domes. However, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, with an subterranean vault, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

Below Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the world's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and stunning stained glass create a soaring, light-filled space of warmth that challenges easy labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing 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 all the way to the lake and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is free, and for a small fee, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and breathtaking views, this 12th-century building presents a diverse schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular cultural hub in the nation's most lively artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

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

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Perched high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like Gothic wonder has weathered hundreds of years of history's tumult. Inside is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and soaring columns, centered around a massive pipe organ. Its intricately carved seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. The true attention, however, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic leer of the scores of twisting grotesques that appear to erupt from the outside stonework. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like primeval guardians of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet stands in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, you walk towards a structure that looks more like a farm building from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 1200s, but within, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s remain in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches one could imagine. Externally, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a characteristic perhaps intended to not attract suspicion during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is adorned with vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is architecturally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, however, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were created by the celebrated painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's child. The artist was so taken with the site that he offered to design the remaining panes, a work completed in 1985. The windows showcase a magnificent range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful environment is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is free.