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Across Europe, countless churches serve as monuments of faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. From contemporary creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are a selection of the most captivating ones as shared by knowledgeable travelers.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable specimen of modernist design. The clean, graceful facade mirrors the nearby landscape and echoes traditional local huts. Within, visitors can discover what are arguably the most cozy pews anyone could ever experience. A breathtaking glass mosaic depicting Christ's Second Coming might not be for all tastes, but it radiates a profound sense of grandeur. Exiting this magnificent structure after an musical performance to witness the northern lights flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

I never understood what visitors seek in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

Its grounds bursting with blooms and plants offer a magnificent vista of the city. The cemetery on-site holds the resting place of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the spirit of a church. While it cannot rival grander establishments, that is exactly its charm. It has quietly absorbed generations of faith. Being there evoked a sensation greater than mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the comfort such spaces offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow alleys, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italy's religious art, boasting exquisite stonework and imposing cupolas. However, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This medieval rotunda, including an underground crypt, is overflowing with history and character. Collectively, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the municipality of Neviges stands one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a mid-century masterpiece built from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and dazzling stained glass create a lofty, luminous space of warmth that defies simple categorization as "cold". Adding to the allure of this less-visited destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Situated prominently above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral commands views stretching from the picturesque old town down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the church is free, and for a modest charge, you can climb the spire. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and spectacular views, this 800-year-old edifice presents a diverse programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular venue in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a humbling encounter with the skill and devotion of its creators. In the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they created a beautiful space imbued with love and peace amidst a time of war—an uplifting site to see many years later.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres around. Set high up overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, fortress-like medieval marvel has survived hundreds of years of history's tumult. The interior is a gasp-inducing space of vaulted ceilings and towering pillars, all framing a massive pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. One's gaze, though, is frequently drawn to the hypnotic leer of the hundreds of twisting gargoyles that appear to burst out of the outside stonework. They look less carved and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a rough track. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, you make their way to a building that looks more like a farm building from a distance. The building is primarily from the 13th century, but within, traces of an older pre-Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s are still in place. The overall atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches one could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a characteristic perhaps designed to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is covered in vibrant Orthodox icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, though, is its windows. All twelve were created by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a family's child. Chagall was so taken with the site that he offered to design the other panes, a work completed in 1985. The windows showcase a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a serene setting is a blissful experience. Entry to this unique place is gratis.