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Throughout Europe, countless churches stand as testaments to belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most remarkable ones as shared by knowledgeable visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable example of modernist design. The clean, graceful exterior reflects the surrounding scenery and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Within, guests can discover what are arguably the most cozy pews one could ever sit on. One breathtaking mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to everyone, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Exiting the impressive structure after an organ recital to see the aurora borealis flickering in the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

For a long time, I didn't grasp what people find in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

The gardens bursting with blooms and plants offer a spectacular vista of Nice. The cemetery there holds the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the essence of a place of worship. While it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is precisely the point. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Being there produced a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the comfort such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italy's religious architecture, featuring stunning stonework and massive cupolas. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, including an subterranean crypt, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's two main churches serve as a perfect snapshot of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in the German Ruhr

South of the city 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 mid-century masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that challenges simple categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently overlooking the city, the cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the charming historic centre all the way to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is free, and for a small fee, you can climb the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century building hosts a varied programme of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular venue in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. During the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. From leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they created a profoundly beautiful space full of love and peace during a time of war—an inspiring site to see many years on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for miles around. Perched on a hill overlooking the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic wonder has weathered centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and soaring columns, all framing a colossal pipe organ. Its intricately carved seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. The true attention, however, is often captured by the mesmerizing stare of the scores of twisting gargoyles that appear to burst out of the outside walls. They look less sculpted and more fossilised, like primeval protectors of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, visitors walk to a building that looks more like a farm building from a far away. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an older pre-Norman structure become visible. Excavations have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s remain in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Nativity Church is quite unassuming—a characteristic possibly intended to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is covered in vibrant Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The result is truly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 1100s, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, though, is its windows. Every single one were created by the celebrated artist Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a local couple's child. The artist was so taken with the site that he decided to create the other panes, a task completed in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a blissful sensation. Entry to this unique place is free.