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Throughout Europe, countless churches serve as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. From contemporary creations to centuries-old havens, here are a selection of the most captivating ones recommended by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking example of 20th-century architecture. The clean, graceful exterior reflects the nearby landscape and evokes historic local huts. Within, guests will find possibly the most comfortable pews one could ever experience. A stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ may not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Leaving this impressive building after an organ recital to witness the northern lights flickering overhead is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

For a long time, I didn't grasp what people find in churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

Its gardens filled with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent panorama of the city. A graveyard on-site contains the resting place of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the spirit of a church. While it would never compare to more ornate establishments, that is exactly the point. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up centuries of faith. Being there evoked a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the comfort such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a classic example of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, boasting stunning marble and massive cupolas. However, the true highlight of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 1100s. This romanesque rotunda, including an underground crypt, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

South of Essen in the municipality of Neviges stands one of the planet's most breathtaking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass form a lofty, light-filled space of warmth that challenges easy categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this tourist-free location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high above Lausanne, the cathedral commands views that extend from the picturesque historic centre all the way to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the spire. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old edifice presents a varied programme of free performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key venue in the nation's most lively artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling encounter with the skill and faith of its creators. In the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a beautiful space full of hope and serenity during a time of war—an inspiring place to see many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Perched high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, fortress-like medieval marvel has survived hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a colossal organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. One's gaze, though, is often drawn to the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of twisting gargoyles that seem to burst out of the outside walls. They seem less carved and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a nearby grass verge, you walk to a building that resembles a barn from a distance. The building is primarily from the 13th century, but within, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 18th century are still in place. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches one could imagine. Externally, the Nativity Church is rather unassuming—a characteristic possibly intended to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, however, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were created by the renowned artist Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a family's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the church that he offered to create the other windows, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork showcase a magnificent range of blues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this extraordinary place is gratis.