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Throughout Europe, numerous churches serve as testaments to belief, heritage, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From modernist masterpieces to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable examples recommended by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking specimen of 20th-century design. Its clean, graceful exterior reflects the nearby landscape and evokes historic local huts. Within, guests can discover what are arguably the most cozy pews one could ever experience. One stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ might not be for everyone, but it exudes a powerful sense of majesty. Exiting the impressive building after an organ recital to witness the northern lights 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.

The gardens filled with blooms and plants provide a spectacular panorama of Nice. A graveyard on-site holds the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the essence of a church. While it would never compare to grander establishments, that is precisely the point. For centuries, it has unobtrusively absorbed generations of faith. Being there produced a sensation beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the comfort these places can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italian religious architecture, featuring exquisite stonework and imposing domes. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an underground vault, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the municipality of this location rises one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of raw concrete and stunning stained glass form a lofty, luminous space of warmth that defies simple labels as "brutalist". Adding to the allure of this less-visited destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above the city, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque old town down to the lake and the distant Alps. Entry to the church is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable medieval structure and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a varied programme of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular cultural hub in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. In the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space full of love and peace during a time of war—an uplifting place to visit many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

The pink sandstone cathedral in Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres around. Perched on a hill above the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like Gothic marvel has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a massive pipe organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. One's attention, however, is frequently captured by the hypnotic leer of the scores of writhing grotesques that appear to erupt from the outside walls. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford stands in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough track. Parking on a nearby verge, visitors make their way to a building that looks more like a barn from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 13th century, but within, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered medieval wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

The village, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a feature possibly designed to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly overwhelming and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, established in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's true glory, however, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the site that he decided to design the remaining panes, a task finished in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Admission to this unique place is gratis.