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Throughout the continent, countless churches stand as monuments of faith, history, and stunning artistry. From modernist creations to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most remarkable ones recommended by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a remarkable specimen of 20th-century architecture. Its clean, graceful facade mirrors the nearby landscape and evokes traditional local huts. Within, visitors can discover possibly the most cozy church benches one could hope to sit on. One breathtaking glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ may not be for everyone, but it exudes a powerful sense of majesty. Leaving this impressive structure following an musical performance to witness the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

I never understood what visitors seek in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

Its gardens filled with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular panorama of Nice. The cemetery there contains the grave of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the spirit of a church. While it cannot rival grander establishments, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has unobtrusively soaked up centuries of faith. Sitting there produced a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the solace these places offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italy's religious art, boasting stunning marble and imposing cupolas. However, the true highlight of the site is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, including an underground vault, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the town of this location rises one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and stunning coloured windows create a soaring, luminous interior of warmth that challenges easy labels as "cold". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently overlooking Lausanne, the cathedral offers views that extend from the picturesque old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the distant 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 panoramas, this 12th-century building hosts a diverse programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular cultural hub in the nation's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. During the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. Using scraps of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful space full of hope and serenity during a global conflict—an inspiring place to visit decades later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres around. Perched high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like Gothic marvel has weathered centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of vaulted ceilings and towering columns, centered around a colossal pipe organ. Its intricately carved seats and ledges are polished smooth by time. One's gaze, however, is frequently captured by the hypnotic leer of the scores of twisting grotesques that seem to burst out of the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet stands in a remote field, accessible only by a rough track. Parking on a nearby grass verge, visitors make their way towards a building that looks more like a farm building from a far away. Its construction is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 18th century remain in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a feature possibly designed to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is adorned with vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is structurally rather simple. The church's true glory, however, is its windows. Every single one were designed by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a local couple's child. Chagall was so taken with the church that he offered to create the remaining windows, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent spectrum of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful experience. Admission to this unique place is free.