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Across Europe, countless churches stand as monuments of faith, history, and stunning artistry. From modernist creations to ancient sanctuaries, here are some of the most remarkable ones recommended by discerning travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a striking specimen of 20th-century architecture. The simple, elegant facade mirrors the nearby landscape and echoes historic local huts. Inside, visitors can discover what are arguably the most comfortable pews one could hope to sit on. A stunning mural of glass depicting the Return of Christ may not be for everyone, but it radiates a powerful feeling of grandeur. Exiting this magnificent structure after an organ recital to see the aurora borealis flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring experience.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

The grounds filled with blooms and plants provide a spectacular panorama of the city. A graveyard on-site holds the resting place of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the essence of a place of worship. While it would never compare to grander establishments, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up generations of faith. Being there evoked a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the comfort such spaces can provide.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic illustration of Italy's ecclesiastical architecture, boasting stunning marble and massive cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This medieval round church, with an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with historical charm and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the planet's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and stunning coloured windows form a lofty, luminous space of warmth that challenges easy labels as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this tourist-free location is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers views stretching from the charming old town down 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. Beyond its impressive medieval structure and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse programme of free concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key venue in the nation's most lively artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Created by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the skill and devotion of its builders. During the Second World War, at the request of the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted a pair of military huts into a chapel. From scraps of metal, wood, and paint, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace during a global conflict—an inspiring place to visit many years on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral in Rodez dominates the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Perched high up above the River Aveyron, this immense, castle-like medieval wonder has survived hundreds of years of history's tumult. The interior is a awe-inspiring space of arched roofs and soaring columns, all framing a massive organ. Its intricately carved seats and ledges are polished smooth by time. The true attention, however, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing stare of the scores of twisting grotesques that appear to burst out of the outside stonework. They look less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient protectors of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in this hamlet sits in a remote field, accessible only by a uneven footpath. Parking on a nearby grass verge, you make their way to a building that looks more like a barn from a far away. The building is mostly from the 1200s, but within, evidence of an older pre-Norman structure can be seen. Excavations have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered medieval wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century remain in place. The overall atmosphere is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near the historic city, is the location of one of the most magnificent Orthodox churches one could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite unassuming—a feature possibly designed to avoid attention during the Ottoman rule. The inside, however, is a different story entirely. Every conceivable surface is adorned with luminous religious icons and biblical scenes. The effect is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, founded in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, though, lies in its stained glass. Every single one were designed by the renowned artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a local couple's child. The artist was so taken with the church that he decided to design the remaining windows, a task completed in 1985. The windows feature a magnificent range of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this extraordinary place is free.