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Throughout the continent, numerous churches serve as monuments of belief, heritage, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Ranging from contemporary creations to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most remarkable ones as shared by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable example of 20th-century design. Its simple, elegant facade mirrors the nearby landscape and echoes traditional Sami dwellings. Within, visitors will find possibly the most comfortable church benches anyone could ever sit on. A breathtaking mural of glass portraying Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a profound feeling of grandeur. Exiting this magnificent structure following an musical performance to see the northern lights flickering overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

For a long time, I didn't grasp what people find in churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

Its gardens bursting with blooms and plants provide a magnificent panorama over Nice. A graveyard on-site contains the grave of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly captures the spirit of a place of worship. While it would never compare to grander buildings, that is precisely the point. For centuries, it has unobtrusively soaked up generations of faith. Being there produced a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the solace such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of squares and winding alleys, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, featuring stunning marble and massive cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the site is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This medieval round church, including an underground vault, is brimming with history and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Wonder in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the planet's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a soaring, light-filled space of welcome that defies easy labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this tourist-free location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above the city, the cathedral offers views that extend from the charming historic centre all the way to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a varied programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular cultural hub in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Built by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and devotion of its builders. During the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity amidst a global conflict—an inspiring place to visit decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Set on a hill above the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like medieval marvel has weathered centuries of history's tumult. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and towering pillars, all framing a colossal organ. The intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. One's attention, though, is often drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the hundreds of twisting grotesques that appear to burst out of the outside stonework. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like primeval guardians of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in this hamlet stands isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven track. Parking on a nearby verge, you make their way towards a structure that looks more like a barn from a far away. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but within, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered medieval wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite plain—a characteristic perhaps designed to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is covered in vibrant religious icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. Its true glory, though, is its stained glass. All twelve were designed by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a family's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the church that he decided to design the remaining windows, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this sea of blue in a peaceful environment is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this unique place is free.