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Across Europe, numerous churches serve as monuments of faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to centuries-old havens, here are some of the most remarkable examples recommended by discerning visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking example of modernist design. Its simple, elegant exterior reflects the nearby landscape and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, visitors can discover possibly the most comfortable church benches anyone could ever sit on. A breathtaking glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ may not be for all tastes, but it radiates a profound sense of majesty. Leaving this impressive structure after an organ recital to witness the northern lights flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

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

Its gardens filled with blooms and plants offer a spectacular vista of Nice. A graveyard on-site contains the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the spirit of a church. Although it would never compare to grander establishments, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has unobtrusively soaked up centuries of faith. Sitting there produced a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the comfort such spaces can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italy's religious art, boasting exquisite stonework and massive cupolas. However, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, including an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

South of Essen in the town of this location rises one of the world's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and stunning coloured windows form a lofty, luminous space of warmth that challenges easy labels as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the charming old town down to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can climb the spire. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a diverse programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a popular venue in Switzerland's most vibrant cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and faith of its builders. In the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From scraps of whatever they could find, they fashioned a beautiful space full of love and peace amidst a global conflict—an uplifting site to visit many years on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for kilometres around. Set on a hill above the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like Gothic marvel has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a awe-inspiring chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a colossal pipe organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. The true gaze, however, is often drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the scores of twisting grotesques that appear to erupt from the outside stonework. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this striking church.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a nearby verge, visitors walk to a building that looks more like a farm building from a far away. Its construction is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an earlier pre-Norman structure become visible. Excavations have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a characteristic perhaps intended to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is covered in vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its true glory, however, lies in its windows. Every single one were created by the celebrated artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's daughter. Chagall was so impressed by the site that he decided to design the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The windows showcase a magnificent spectrum of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a blissful experience. Admission to this extraordinary place is free.