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Across Europe, numerous churches stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning artistry. From modernist masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most remarkable examples recommended by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking example of 20th-century design. Its simple, elegant facade reflects the surrounding scenery and echoes traditional local huts. Inside, guests will find possibly the most cozy pews anyone could ever sit on. One stunning glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ may not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a powerful feeling of majesty. Exiting this magnificent building following an musical performance to see the northern lights flickering overhead is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

I never understood what visitors seek in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

The gardens bursting with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent panorama over the city. The cemetery there holds the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly captures the spirit of a place of worship. While it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is exactly its charm. It has quietly soaked up generations of belief. Being there evoked a sensation beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the solace these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italian religious architecture, boasting stunning marble and imposing cupolas. However, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, including an underground crypt, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches serve as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

South of Essen in the town of Neviges stands one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of concrete and stunning stained glass create a lofty, light-filled interior of welcome that defies easy labels as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited destination is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing example of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers views stretching from the picturesque old town down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can climb the spire. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a varied schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, making it a popular venue in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling encounter with the craftsmanship and faith of its builders. In the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace during a time of war—an uplifting place to see decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for kilometres around. Perched on a hill overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, fortress-like medieval wonder has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and soaring columns, all framing a massive pipe organ. The intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. The true gaze, however, is often drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the scores of twisting gargoyles that appear to erupt from the outside walls. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven track. Parking on a nearby verge, visitors make their way towards a building that resembles a farm building from a distance. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a feature perhaps designed to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous religious icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, however, is its stained glass. Every single one were created by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the site that he decided to design the remaining windows, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Entry to this extraordinary place is free.