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Throughout Europe, numerous churches serve as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. From contemporary creations to ancient havens, here are a selection of the most remarkable ones recommended by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking specimen of 20th-century design. The simple, elegant exterior reflects the nearby landscape and evokes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors will find possibly the most comfortable pews one could ever sit on. A stunning mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to all tastes, but it radiates a powerful sense of majesty. Leaving the impressive building following an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in the French Riviera

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 flowers and herbs offer a spectacular vista of Nice. A graveyard on-site contains the resting place of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely embodies the spirit of a place of worship. While it would never compare to more ornate establishments, that is precisely the point. It has quietly soaked up centuries of faith. Sitting there evoked a feeling greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound realization of the solace such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and winding alleys, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a prime example of Italy's religious art, boasting stunning marble and massive domes. However, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, completed in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, with an subterranean vault, is overflowing with history and character. Collectively, Brescia's two main churches serve as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

Below Essen in the municipality of this location stands one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece constructed from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of concrete and dazzling stained glass create a soaring, light-filled interior of warmth that defies simple labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this tourist-free location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above the city, the Gothic cathedral commands sweeping vistas that extend from the charming historic centre down to the lake and the far-off Alps. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a small fee, you can ascend the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and spectacular views, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a varied schedule of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a popular cultural hub in the nation's most vibrant cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a profoundly moving experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. During the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an uplifting place to visit many years on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral in Rodez dominates the skyline for kilometres in every direction. Set on a hill above the River Aveyron, this immense, castle-like medieval marvel has weathered hundreds of years of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and towering columns, all framing a colossal pipe organ. The intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. The true gaze, though, is often captured by the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of twisting grotesques that seem to burst out of the exterior stonework. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

St Oswald's in Widford stands in a remote field, accessible only by a uneven track. Parking on a nearby grass verge, you walk towards a structure that resembles a farm building from a far away. Its construction is primarily from the 13th century, but within, traces of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Excavations have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 18th century are still in place. The overall atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches one could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a feature perhaps designed to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. Its true glory, though, is its windows. Every single one were created by the renowned painter Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's child. The artist was so taken with the church that he offered to design the other panes, a work finished in 1985. The windows showcase a dazzling spectrum of blues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.