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Throughout Europe, numerous churches serve as testaments to belief, heritage, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From contemporary creations to ancient sanctuaries, we present a selection of the most captivating ones recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking specimen of 20th-century design. Its clean, graceful facade mirrors the surrounding scenery and evokes historic Sami dwellings. Inside, guests will find possibly the most cozy pews one could ever sit on. One stunning glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a powerful sense of grandeur. Leaving this magnificent building after an musical performance to see the northern lights flickering in the sky is an unforgettable experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

For a long time, I didn't grasp what people find in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

Its grounds bursting with flowers and herbs provide a magnificent panorama of Nice. A graveyard on-site contains the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly embodies the spirit of a church. Although it would never compare to grander establishments, that is precisely the point. For centuries, it has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of belief. Sitting there produced a sensation beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the comfort these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of squares and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italian religious art, featuring stunning stonework and imposing domes. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, including an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with history and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of the country's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in Germany

South of the city of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and stunning coloured windows form a lofty, light-filled interior of welcome that challenges simple categorization as "brutalist". Adding to the allure of this less-visited destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible example of engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above the city, the cathedral offers views that extend from the picturesque historic centre down to the lake and the far-off Alps. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, you can climb the bell tower. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular venue in Switzerland's most vibrant cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling encounter with the craftsmanship and faith of its builders. In the 1940s, at the request of the chaplain, artist Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted a pair of military huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity during a time of war—an uplifting site to visit many years on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Perched high up above the River Aveyron, this huge, castle-like Gothic marvel has weathered hundreds of years of history's tumult. Inside is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and towering columns, centered around a colossal organ. Its intricately carved seats and ledges are polished smooth by time. One's gaze, however, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic stare of the scores of twisting grotesques that seem to burst out of the exterior stonework. They look less carved and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this beautiful church.

Hidden History in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven track. Parking on a adjacent verge, you walk to a structure that resembles a farm building from a distance. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an older pre-Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered medieval wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s remain in place. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a characteristic possibly designed to not attract attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is covered in vibrant Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, though, is its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a family's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the site that he offered to design the remaining windows, a task finished in 1985. The windows showcase a magnificent spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful environment is a blissful experience. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is free.