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Throughout Europe, countless churches stand as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from modernist masterpieces to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are some of the most captivating ones as shared by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in the Norwegian Arctic

Commonly known as the Ishavskatedralen, the Tromsøysund Kirke in Tromsø is a striking example of modernist architecture. Its clean, graceful facade reflects the surrounding scenery and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Inside, visitors will find possibly the most cozy church benches one could hope to experience. One breathtaking glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming may not be for everyone, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Exiting the magnificent structure following an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis flickering in the sky is an unforgettable experience.

Panoramic Vistas and Historic Graves in Nice, France

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

The grounds bursting with blooms and plants provide a magnificent panorama of the city. A graveyard on-site contains the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the essence of a place of worship. While it cannot rival more ornate establishments, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has quietly soaked up centuries of faith. Sitting there produced a feeling beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound understanding of the solace such spaces can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of piazzas and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic illustration of Italian ecclesiastical architecture, featuring stunning stonework and imposing domes. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, with an subterranean crypt, is brimming with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a microcosm of Italy's changing building styles.

A Concrete and Stained Glass Masterpiece in the German Ruhr

Below the city of Essen in the town of Neviges stands one of the planet's most individual and striking religious buildings. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a mid-century masterpiece built between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of raw concrete and dazzling coloured windows create a soaring, luminous space of welcome that defies easy categorization as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this tourist-free destination is the nearby 13-kilometer Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing example of transport engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers sweeping vistas that extend from the picturesque historic centre all the way to the Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Entry to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, you can climb the bell tower. Beyond its remarkable medieval structure and breathtaking views, this 12th-century building hosts a varied schedule of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, solidifying its role as a key venue in the nation's most vibrant cultural centre.

An Orkney Shrine Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and devotion of its builders. During the Second World War, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed a pair of military huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials 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 see many years on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This rose-coloured stone cathedral in Rodez towers over the skyline for miles around. Set on a hill above the River Aveyron, this immense, castle-like Gothic marvel has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of vaulted ceilings and towering columns, all framing a colossal organ. The elaborately decorated seats and ledges are polished smooth by ages. One's gaze, however, is often captured by the hypnotic stare of the scores of twisting gargoyles that appear to erupt from the exterior stonework. They seem less carved and more preserved in stone, like primeval guardians of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in this hamlet sits in a remote field, accessible only by a rough footpath. Parking on a adjacent 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 inside, evidence of an older Saxon or early Norman church can be seen. Archaeological digs have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval frescoes. Box pews from the 18th century are still in place. The overall effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful stillness.

A Stunning Paint Job in Bulgaria

Arbanasi, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most visually overwhelming churches one could encounter. Externally, the Church of the Nativity is rather plain—a feature possibly intended to avoid suspicion during the Ottoman rule. The inside, in contrast, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable surface is adorned with vibrant religious icons and biblical scenes. The result is utterly breathtaking and all-encompassing.

Featured Recommendation: Beautiful Windows in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is architecturally rather simple. Its remarkable feature, though, lies in its windows. All twelve were created by the celebrated artist Chagall. It started in 1963 with a memorial window in memory of a family's child. The artist was so impressed by the church that he decided to create the remaining panes, a work finished in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Being surrounded by this sea of blue in a serene environment is a profoundly calming experience. Entry to this unique treasure is free.