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Across Europe, numerous churches serve as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, we present some of the most captivating examples recommended by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable example of 20th-century design. The simple, elegant facade reflects the surrounding scenery and echoes traditional local huts. Inside, visitors will find possibly the most cozy pews one could ever sit on. A stunning glass mosaic depicting Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a powerful sense of grandeur. Leaving this magnificent structure after an musical performance to witness the northern lights dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

I never understood what visitors seek in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

Its gardens filled with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent vista of Nice. The cemetery there contains the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the spirit of a church. Although it would never compare to more ornate establishments, that is exactly the point. It has quietly absorbed generations of faith. Sitting there produced a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the solace such spaces can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic illustration of Italy's religious art, featuring exquisite marble and imposing domes. Yet, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This medieval round church, including an subterranean vault, is brimming with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches serve as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

South of Essen in the town of Neviges stands one of the planet's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a soaring, light-filled interior of warmth that challenges easy labels as "brutalist". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral commands views stretching from the charming historic centre down to the lake and the far-off Alps. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 12th-century building hosts a varied schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key venue in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Created by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and devotion of its builders. In the Second World War, following a plea from the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using scraps of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace during a time of war—an uplifting place to see decades later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres around. Set high up overlooking the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like Gothic marvel has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a colossal organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. The true gaze, though, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic stare of the scores of writhing grotesques that seem to erupt from the outside walls. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in Widford stands in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, you make their way to a building that resembles a barn from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 13th century, but within, evidence of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered ancient Roman tiles 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 stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—a characteristic perhaps designed to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. The church's true glory, though, lies in its windows. Every single one were designed by the renowned painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's daughter. The artist was so taken with the site that he decided to design the remaining windows, a work finished in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Entry to this extraordinary place is free.