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Throughout the continent, numerous churches stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning artistry. From modernist masterpieces to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable ones as shared by knowledgeable visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a remarkable example of 20th-century architecture. The clean, graceful exterior reflects the nearby landscape and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors can discover possibly the most cozy pews anyone could hope to sit on. A breathtaking mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ might not be for all tastes, but it radiates a powerful sense of grandeur. Leaving this magnificent building following an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

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

The grounds bursting with blooms and plants offer a magnificent vista of Nice. A graveyard there contains the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the spirit of a place of worship. Although it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is precisely the point. It has quietly soaked up centuries of belief. Being there produced a feeling greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the solace these places offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italian religious art, featuring stunning stonework and massive domes. However, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an underground vault, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

South of the city of Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the world's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and stunning stained glass form a lofty, light-filled interior of welcome that defies simple categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend from the charming historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a small fee, you can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice presents a varied programme of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key venue in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders. In the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they created a beautiful space imbued with love and peace amidst a time of war—an inspiring place to see decades later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Set on a hill above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic marvel has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and soaring pillars, centered around a colossal pipe organ. Its intricately carved seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. One's attention, however, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the scores of twisting grotesques that appear to erupt from the exterior stonework. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough track. Leaving your car on a nearby verge, visitors make their way to a building that looks more like a farm building from a far away. The building is primarily from the 13th century, but within, evidence of an earlier Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Excavations have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s are still in place. The overall effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a feature perhaps designed to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, however, is its stained glass. Every single one were created by the renowned painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a local couple's child. The artist was so taken with the church that he offered to design the remaining panes, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful environment is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this unique treasure is free.