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Across the continent, numerous churches serve as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From modernist masterpieces to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most captivating examples as shared by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a remarkable specimen of modernist design. The simple, elegant facade mirrors the nearby landscape and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Within, visitors can discover possibly the most cozy pews one could ever sit on. A breathtaking mural of glass depicting the Return of Christ may not be for all tastes, but it exudes a profound sense of grandeur. Leaving the magnificent structure after an organ recital to see the northern lights dancing in the sky is an unforgettable experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

Its gardens bursting with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent vista over Nice. A graveyard there contains the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the essence of a church. While it cannot rival grander buildings, that is precisely the point. It has unobtrusively soaked up centuries of belief. Sitting there evoked a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the comfort these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and winding alleys, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italy's religious architecture, featuring stunning stonework and massive domes. However, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 1100s. This medieval round church, including an underground crypt, is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

Below Essen in the town of this location stands one of the world's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass create a soaring, luminous space of warmth that defies easy categorization as "cold". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing example of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently above Lausanne, the cathedral offers views that extend from the charming historic centre all the way to the lake and the far-off Alps. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can ascend the spire. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a diverse programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. In the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they created a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with love and peace during a time of war—an uplifting site to see many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres around. Perched high up above the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like Gothic wonder has survived hundreds of years of history's tumult. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and soaring columns, centered around a colossal organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are polished smooth by ages. The true attention, though, is frequently captured by the mesmerizing stare of the scores of twisting gargoyles that seem to burst out of the exterior walls. They look less sculpted and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet stands in a remote field, accessible only by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, visitors make their way to a building that resembles a farm building from a far away. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an older pre-Norman structure become visible. Excavations have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century remain in situ. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches anyone could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite unassuming—a characteristic perhaps intended to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is adorned with vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, however, is its windows. All twelve were created by the celebrated artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a local couple's child. The artist was so impressed by the site that he offered to create the remaining windows, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork showcase a magnificent range of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a blissful sensation. Entry to this unique place is free.