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Across Europe, countless churches serve as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist creations to ancient havens, we present some of the most remarkable examples recommended by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking specimen of modernist architecture. The clean, graceful exterior reflects the nearby scenery and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, guests can discover possibly the most comfortable pews one could ever sit on. A stunning glass mosaic portraying the Return of Christ might not be for everyone, but it exudes a powerful sense of majesty. Leaving this magnificent building after an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

The grounds filled with blooms and plants provide a magnificent panorama of the city. A graveyard on-site holds the grave of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the essence of a place of worship. While it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is precisely its charm. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed generations of faith. Being there evoked a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding 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 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italy's religious architecture, featuring exquisite stonework and massive domes. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an subterranean vault, is overflowing with history and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of the country's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

Below Essen in the municipality of this location rises one of the planet's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass form a lofty, light-filled space of warmth that defies simple categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas stretching from the charming old town down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Admission to the cathedral is free, and for a modest charge, you can ascend the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century edifice hosts a varied schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, making it a key venue in the nation's most vibrant artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Built by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. In the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted a pair of military huts into a place of worship. From scraps of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful space full of love and peace during a time of war—an inspiring site to visit decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

The rose-coloured stone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres around. Perched on a hill above the River Aveyron, this huge, fortress-like medieval wonder has survived centuries of history's tumult. Inside is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and towering pillars, all framing a colossal pipe organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. One's gaze, however, is often captured by the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that appear to burst out of the outside stonework. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this striking basilica.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a rough footpath. Parking on a nearby verge, you make their way to a building that looks more like a barn from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an older pre-Norman church become visible. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 18th century remain in situ. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—a feature perhaps intended to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable surface is covered in luminous Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The result is truly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, however, is its stained glass. Every single one were created by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a local couple's child. Chagall was so impressed by the church that he offered to design the other windows, a work completed in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a blissful sensation. Entry to this unique treasure is gratis.