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Throughout the continent, countless churches serve as monuments of belief, heritage, and breathtaking artistry. From modernist masterpieces to centuries-old sanctuaries, we present some of the most captivating ones recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a remarkable example of modernist architecture. Its clean, graceful exterior reflects the nearby landscape and evokes historic Sami dwellings. Inside, visitors will find possibly the most cozy pews anyone could ever sit on. One stunning glass mosaic depicting the Return of Christ might not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a profound feeling of majesty. Exiting this magnificent structure following an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

The gardens bursting with blooms and plants offer a magnificent vista of Nice. A graveyard on-site holds the resting place of painter Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the essence of a church. While it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is exactly its charm. It has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of faith. Sitting there evoked a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the solace such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italy's religious architecture, boasting exquisite marble and massive cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, including an underground crypt, is brimming with history and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

South of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the world's most breathtaking religious buildings. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as Mariendom, is a modernist triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass create a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that defies easy categorization as "brutalist". Adding to the appeal of this less-visited destination is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing example of engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the cathedral commands sweeping vistas stretching from the charming old town down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Entry to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can climb the spire. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 12th-century edifice presents a diverse schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. 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 full of hope and serenity during a time of war—an inspiring site to see many years on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez dominates the skyline for kilometres around. Perched high up above the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like medieval wonder has survived hundreds of years of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and towering columns, all framing a colossal organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. One's gaze, however, is often captured by the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of writhing grotesques that seem to burst out of the outside stonework. They look less carved and more fossilised, like ancient protectors of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven track. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, visitors walk towards a structure that looks more like a farm building from a distance. The building is primarily from the 13th century, but inside, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 1700s are still in place. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

The village, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches one could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a characteristic perhaps designed to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is covered in vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 1100s, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its true glory, though, is its windows. Every single one were created by the renowned artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a local couple's child. The artist was so impressed by the church that he decided to create the remaining panes, a work completed in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling range of blues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a peaceful setting is a blissful experience. Admission to this unique treasure is free.