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Across Europe, numerous churches stand as testaments to belief, heritage, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from modernist creations to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable ones recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable example of 20th-century design. The clean, graceful facade mirrors the surrounding scenery and evokes historic Sami dwellings. Within, guests can discover what are arguably the most cozy church benches anyone could ever experience. A stunning glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ may not appeal to everyone, but it radiates a profound feeling of grandeur. Leaving this magnificent structure following an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

Its gardens filled with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular panorama over Nice. The cemetery there contains the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the essence of a place of worship. Although it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is precisely its charm. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up centuries of faith. Sitting there evoked a sensation greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the comfort such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italy's religious architecture, boasting stunning marble and massive cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, with an underground crypt, is brimming with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

Below Essen in the municipality of this location stands one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and stunning coloured windows create a lofty, luminous space of warmth that challenges simple labels as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited destination is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently overlooking the city, the cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend from the charming historic centre all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alps. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the spire. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a diverse programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. During the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted a pair of military huts into a chapel. From leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they created a beautiful space imbued with love and peace during a global conflict—an inspiring site to visit many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez towers over the horizon for miles in every direction. Perched high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like Gothic wonder has survived centuries of history's tumult. Inside is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and soaring pillars, all framing a massive pipe organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are polished smooth by ages. The true gaze, though, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the scores of writhing gargoyles that seem to erupt from the exterior stonework. They look less carved and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford stands in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Parking on a nearby grass verge, you make their way towards a building that looks more like a farm building from a distance. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an older Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s remain in situ. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a feature perhaps intended to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable surface is adorned with luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, though, is its windows. All twelve were designed by the celebrated painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a local couple's child. Chagall was so taken with the church that he offered to create the other windows, a work finished in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this unique treasure is gratis.