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Throughout Europe, numerous churches serve as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. From modernist creations to ancient sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most captivating ones recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a remarkable example of modernist design. The clean, graceful facade reflects the nearby scenery and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Within, visitors can discover what are arguably the most cozy pews anyone could hope to sit on. One stunning glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming might not be for all tastes, but it radiates a powerful feeling of grandeur. Leaving the magnificent building after an organ recital to see the northern lights dancing overhead is an awe-inspiring moment.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in old churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

Its gardens bursting with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular vista of Nice. A graveyard there contains the grave of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the essence of a place of worship. Although it cannot rival more ornate buildings, that is precisely its charm. For centuries, it has unobtrusively soaked up centuries of faith. Being there produced a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the comfort such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and winding alleys, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime illustration of Italy's religious architecture, featuring exquisite marble and imposing cupolas. However, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, with an underground vault, is brimming with history and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the municipality of Neviges rises one of the planet's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass create a lofty, light-filled interior of warmth that challenges easy categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited destination is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas stretching from the charming historic centre down to the lake and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is free, and for a modest charge, you can climb the spire. Aside from its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking panoramas, this 12th-century edifice hosts a varied schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key venue in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. During the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity during a time of war—an inspiring place to visit many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

The pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for miles in every direction. Perched high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like Gothic wonder has weathered centuries of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of arched roofs and soaring pillars, all framing a colossal organ. Its intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by time. One's attention, however, is frequently captured by the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of twisting grotesques that appear to burst out of the exterior stonework. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like primeval protectors 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 walk to a structure that looks more like a barn from a distance. Its construction is mostly from the 13th century, but within, traces of an earlier pre-Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to Veliko Tarnovo, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could encounter. From the outside, the Nativity Church is rather plain—a characteristic perhaps designed to not attract suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The result is truly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's true glory, though, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were created by the renowned artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's daughter. Chagall was so impressed by the site that he decided to design the remaining windows, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a serene setting is a blissful experience. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is free.