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Across Europe, countless churches serve as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from contemporary masterpieces to ancient sanctuaries, here are some of the most remarkable ones as shared by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking example of modernist design. Its clean, graceful exterior reflects the nearby landscape and evokes traditional local huts. Within, visitors will find possibly the most cozy pews one could ever experience. One stunning glass mosaic depicting Christ's Second Coming may not be for everyone, but it exudes a powerful feeling of majesty. Leaving this magnificent building following an musical performance to see the northern lights dancing 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 people find in churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

The grounds filled with flowers and herbs provide a spectacular vista of Nice. The cemetery on-site contains the resting place of artist Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely embodies the spirit of a place of worship. While it would never compare to more ornate establishments, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed generations of belief. Sitting there produced a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a deep understanding of the solace such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime illustration of Italy's religious architecture, boasting stunning marble and imposing cupolas. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 12th century. This medieval round church, including an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Masterpiece in Germany

Below Essen in the municipality of this location stands one of the world's most breathtaking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and stunning coloured windows form a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that challenges simple categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited destination is the close-by 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking the city, the cathedral commands views that extend from the charming old town down to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alpine peaks. Admission to the cathedral is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the bell tower. Aside from its impressive gothic architecture and breathtaking views, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a diverse schedule of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key cultural hub in Switzerland's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in Orkney is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and faith of its builders. During the 1940s, following a plea from the chaplain, painter Chiocchetti and his comrades converted a pair of military huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space full of love and peace amidst a global conflict—an inspiring place to visit decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

The pink sandstone cathedral in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for miles in every direction. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this huge, castle-like medieval marvel has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and towering columns, all framing a massive organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. One's gaze, though, is often captured by the mesmerizing leer of the scores of twisting gargoyles that appear to burst out of the exterior stonework. They seem less carved and more preserved in stone, like primeval guardians of this beautiful basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet stands isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a uneven track. Parking on a nearby grass verge, visitors make their way towards a structure that resembles a barn from a distance. Its construction is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, traces of an earlier pre-Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s remain in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a characteristic possibly intended to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Virtually every surface is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The result is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 1100s, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, though, is its windows. All twelve were created by the renowned artist Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece dedicated to a family's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the site that he offered to create the remaining windows, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a magnificent spectrum of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this extraordinary treasure is free.