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Across the continent, numerous churches stand as monuments of belief, heritage, and breathtaking craftsmanship. From contemporary creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, we present some of the most remarkable examples as shared by discerning visitors.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in Tromsø is a remarkable example of 20th-century architecture. The simple, elegant exterior mirrors the surrounding scenery and echoes historic local huts. Inside, guests can discover what are arguably the most comfortable pews one could hope to sit on. A stunning mural of glass depicting Christ's Second Coming might not be for all tastes, but it radiates a profound sense of majesty. Exiting the magnificent structure after an organ recital to see the northern lights flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

Its gardens filled with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular panorama of the city. A graveyard there contains the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that truly embodies the essence of a place of worship. While it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is precisely its charm. It has unobtrusively absorbed centuries of faith. Sitting there produced a sensation beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a deep understanding of the solace these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and winding streets, Brescia's 17th-century Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italian religious architecture, boasting stunning stonework and massive domes. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Old Cathedral, finished in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, including an underground crypt, is brimming with history and atmosphere. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a microcosm of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

South of Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the world's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of concrete and stunning stained glass create a lofty, luminous interior of warmth that defies easy labels as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this tourist-free destination is the nearby 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an amazing feat of engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alps. Entry to the cathedral is free, and for a modest charge, visitors can ascend the spire. Aside from its remarkable medieval structure and breathtaking views, this 12th-century building hosts a varied programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a popular venue in the nation's most lively cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Created by WWII Detainees

A visit to the chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands is a humbling encounter with the craftsmanship and faith of its builders. In the 1940s, at the request of the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using scraps of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful sanctuary full of love and peace amidst a global conflict—an uplifting place to see decades on.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for miles around. Perched high up above the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like Gothic wonder has weathered hundreds of years of history's tumult. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and towering pillars, centered around a colossal organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by ages. The true gaze, however, is often drawn to the hypnotic leer of the scores of writhing grotesques that appear to erupt from the outside walls. They look less carved and more fossilised, like primeval protectors of this striking church.

Hidden History in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Parking on a adjacent grass verge, visitors make their way towards a building that looks more like a barn from a far away. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an older pre-Norman church become visible. Excavations have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s remain in situ. The resulting atmosphere is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent stillness.

An Interior Canvas in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming churches anyone could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a feature possibly intended to not attract attention during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is covered in luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The result is truly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

All Saints Church in Tudeley, founded in the 12th century, is structurally quite ordinary. The church's remarkable feature, however, lies in its windows. Every single one were designed by the renowned painter Marc Chagall. It started in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's daughter. Chagall was so impressed by the site that he offered to design the other panes, a task finished in 1985. The glasswork showcase a dazzling range of blues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a peaceful environment is a profoundly calming experience. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is gratis.