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Throughout Europe, countless churches serve as testaments to faith, history, and breathtaking artistry. From contemporary masterpieces to centuries-old havens, here are some of the most captivating ones recommended by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a striking specimen of 20th-century architecture. The clean, graceful facade reflects the nearby landscape and evokes historic Sami dwellings. Inside, visitors can discover possibly the most cozy pews anyone could ever experience. A stunning glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a profound feeling of majesty. Leaving this magnificent building following an organ recital to see the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez changed that.

Its gardens filled with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular panorama over the city. A graveyard there holds the resting place of artist Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that truly captures the spirit of a place of worship. Although it would never compare to more ornate buildings, that is precisely the point. It has unobtrusively soaked up generations of faith. Sitting there produced a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a deep realization of the solace such spaces offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a maze of piazzas and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a classic example of Italian religious art, featuring exquisite marble and imposing cupolas. However, the real gem of the site is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque round church, with an underground vault, is overflowing 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 the city of Essen in the town of Neviges rises one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, or the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph built from 1966 and 1968. Asymmetric balconies of concrete and stunning coloured windows create a soaring, light-filled interior of welcome that challenges easy labels as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this less-visited location is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high overlooking the city, the cathedral commands sweeping vistas stretching from the picturesque historic centre down to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alpine peaks. Admission to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a small fee, you can climb the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 12th-century building presents a varied programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a key venue in the nation's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by Italian Prisoners of War

Seeing the chapel on Lamb Holm in Orkney is a humbling encounter with the skill and devotion of its creators. In the 1940s, at the request of the chaplain, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades transformed a pair of military huts into a chapel. Using scraps of whatever they could find, they created a profoundly beautiful sanctuary imbued with hope and serenity during a time of war—an uplifting place to visit many years later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the horizon for miles in every direction. Perched on a hill above the River Aveyron, this immense, fortress-like medieval wonder has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a gasp-inducing chamber of arched roofs and towering columns, all framing a colossal pipe organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are polished smooth by time. The true gaze, though, is frequently captured by the hypnotic stare of the hundreds of writhing gargoyles that seem to burst out of the exterior walls. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like ancient guardians of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a nearby verge, visitors make their way towards a structure that looks more like a farm building from a far away. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an earlier pre-Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century wall paintings. Enclosed seating from the 1700s remain in situ. The resulting effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

The village, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most visually overwhelming Orthodox churches anyone could imagine. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is quite unassuming—a characteristic possibly designed to avoid suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. The inside, in contrast, 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 truly breathtaking and immersive.

Winning Tip: Beautiful Windows in the English Countryside

The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is structurally rather simple. The church's true glory, however, is its stained glass. All twelve were created by the renowned artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's daughter. The artist was so impressed by the site that he offered to design the remaining windows, a task completed in 1985. The glasswork feature a dazzling range of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful setting is a profoundly calming sensation. Entry to this extraordinary place is gratis.