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Throughout Europe, numerous churches stand as testaments to belief, heritage, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from contemporary creations to ancient havens, we present a selection of the most remarkable examples recommended by discerning visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable specimen of 20th-century design. The simple, elegant exterior reflects the surrounding landscape and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Within, guests will find what are arguably the most cozy pews one could hope to experience. One stunning glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a profound sense of grandeur. Leaving this impressive building following an musical performance to witness the aurora borealis flickering overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

The grounds bursting with blooms and plants provide a magnificent panorama of Nice. A graveyard there contains the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the spirit of a place of worship. While it would never compare to grander establishments, that is precisely its charm. It has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Being there produced a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the comfort such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic example of Italian ecclesiastical art, featuring exquisite stonework and massive cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, with an underground vault, is overflowing with history and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the planet's most individual and striking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of raw concrete and stunning stained glass create a lofty, light-filled space of welcome that defies simple categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking the city, the cathedral offers views stretching 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 modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its impressive medieval structure and breathtaking views, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a diverse schedule of free performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key venue in Switzerland's most lively artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Created by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and devotion of its creators. During the Second World War, following a plea from the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using scraps of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful space full of love and peace during a global conflict—an inspiring place to see decades on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for miles in every direction. Set on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like medieval marvel has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and towering pillars, all framing a massive organ. Its elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. One's gaze, though, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing stare of the scores of twisting grotesques that seem to erupt from the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval guardians of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven track. Parking on a nearby verge, visitors walk towards a building that resembles a barn from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 13th century, but within, evidence of an older pre-Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s remain in situ. The overall atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches anyone could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a characteristic perhaps intended to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is covered in luminous religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, established in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's true glory, though, is its windows. Every single one were created by the celebrated painter Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's child. The artist was so taken with the site that he offered to design the other panes, a work finished in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a serene environment is a profoundly calming sensation. Entry to this unique place is free.