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Across Europe, countless churches stand as testaments to belief, heritage, and breathtaking artistry. Ranging from contemporary creations to centuries-old havens, here are a selection of the most remarkable ones recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking specimen of modernist design. The simple, elegant exterior mirrors the nearby scenery and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, guests will find what are arguably the most comfortable pews anyone could hope to sit on. A stunning glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming may not appeal to everyone, but it radiates a powerful feeling of majesty. Exiting this impressive structure following an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

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

The gardens filled with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent vista of the city. A graveyard on-site contains the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the essence of a place of worship. Although it would never compare to more ornate buildings, that is exactly the point. It has unobtrusively soaked up generations of belief. Sitting there produced a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound realization of the comfort these places can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic illustration of Italy's religious art, boasting exquisite stonework and imposing domes. However, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This medieval round church, with an underground crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a modernist triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of concrete and stunning coloured windows create a soaring, light-filled interior of warmth that defies easy labels as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the picturesque historic centre all the way to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and spectacular views, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a varied schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling experience with the skill and devotion of its creators. In the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace amidst a global conflict—an uplifting site to visit many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres around. Perched high up above the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like Gothic wonder has weathered centuries of history's tumult. Inside is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and towering columns, all framing a colossal organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. One's gaze, though, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic stare of the scores of twisting grotesques that seem to burst out of the outside stonework. They seem less carved and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this striking church.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in Widford stands in a remote field, reachable solely by a rough footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, visitors walk towards a structure that looks more like a barn from a distance. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but within, evidence of an older pre-Norman structure become visible. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a characteristic perhaps designed to not attract attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is adorned with vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 12th century, is structurally rather simple. Its true glory, though, lies in its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the celebrated artist Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's child. The artist was so impressed by the site that he decided to create the other windows, a task completed in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Entry to this unique place is free.