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Across the continent, numerous churches stand as testaments to belief, heritage, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From contemporary creations to ancient havens, here are some of the most remarkable examples as shared by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a striking example of 20th-century design. Its clean, graceful exterior reflects the nearby landscape and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, guests will find possibly the most comfortable church benches anyone could hope to sit on. One stunning mural of glass portraying the Return of Christ might not be for everyone, but it exudes a profound feeling of grandeur. Exiting the impressive structure after an organ recital to see the aurora borealis flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

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

The grounds bursting with flowers and herbs offer a magnificent panorama over Nice. The cemetery on-site contains the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the spirit of a church. While it would never compare to grander establishments, that is precisely its charm. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up generations of belief. Sitting there evoked a feeling greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the comfort these places can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's 17th-century New Cathedral is a classic illustration of Italian religious architecture, boasting stunning stonework and imposing domes. However, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, including an subterranean vault, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

Below the city of Essen in the municipality of this location stands one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric galleries of concrete and stunning stained glass create a soaring, luminous interior of warmth that defies simple categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free location is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently overlooking the city, the cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend from the picturesque old town all the way to the lake and the far-off Alps. Entry to the church is free, and for a modest charge, you can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its impressive medieval structure and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a varied schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the skill and faith of its creators. During the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. From leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity during a global conflict—an inspiring site to see many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Southern France

The pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez towers over the horizon for miles in every direction. Set high up above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like Gothic marvel has survived hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and soaring pillars, all framing a massive pipe organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. One's gaze, though, is often drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the hundreds of twisting gargoyles that seem to burst out of the outside walls. They look less sculpted and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this striking church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet stands in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Parking on a adjacent verge, you walk to a structure that looks more like a barn from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an earlier pre-Norman structure can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s remain in place. The overall effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches anyone could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a characteristic possibly intended to not attract attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is covered in luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, established in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. Its true glory, though, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the celebrated painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the site that he decided to design the other windows, a task finished in 1985. The windows showcase a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is free.