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Across Europe, numerous churches stand as testaments to belief, heritage, and stunning craftsmanship. Ranging from contemporary creations to centuries-old sanctuaries, here are some of the most remarkable examples as shared by knowledgeable visitors.

A Contemporary Marvel in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable specimen of 20th-century design. The clean, graceful facade reflects the surrounding scenery and evokes traditional Sami dwellings. Within, visitors can discover what are arguably the most comfortable church benches one could ever experience. One breathtaking mural of glass portraying Christ's Second Coming may not be for everyone, but it exudes a powerful sense of majesty. Exiting this impressive structure following an musical performance to witness the northern lights flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Historic Graves in Nice, France

I never understood what people find in churches. This monastery in Cimiez was different.

Its grounds bursting with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular vista over the city. The cemetery on-site contains the grave of artist Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the essence of a church. Although it would never compare to grander buildings, that is precisely its charm. It has unobtrusively soaked up centuries of faith. Sitting there produced a sensation greater than mere calm or serenity; it was a profound understanding of the solace these places offer.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Northern Italy

Tucked away within a labyrinth of squares and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic illustration of Italian ecclesiastical art, featuring stunning stonework and imposing cupolas. Yet, the real gem of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This medieval rotunda, with an subterranean vault, is brimming with historical charm and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals serve as a perfect snapshot of Italy's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

Below the city of Essen in the municipality of this location rises one of the world's most breathtaking cathedrals. Maria, Königin des Friedens, also known as Mariendom, is a mid-century triumph constructed from 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of concrete and stunning coloured windows form a soaring, light-filled space of warmth that defies easy labels as "cold". Furthermore, the appeal of this tourist-free location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an incredible feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Situated prominently overlooking Lausanne, the cathedral offers views stretching from the charming old town all the way to the lake and the far-off Alpine peaks. Entry to the church is free, and for a small fee, visitors can climb the bell tower. Beyond its impressive gothic architecture and spectacular panoramas, this 800-year-old 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 Created by WWII Detainees

Seeing the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a humbling experience with the craftsmanship and devotion of its creators. In the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners transformed two joined Nissen huts into a place of worship. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a beautiful sanctuary full of hope and serenity amidst a time of war—an uplifting place to see decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Southern France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rodez towers over the horizon for kilometres in every direction. Set on a hill overlooking the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like medieval wonder has weathered centuries of construction, plague, and war. The interior is a awe-inspiring chamber of arched roofs and soaring columns, all framing a colossal organ. Its elaborately decorated pews and misericords are worn smooth by time. One's gaze, however, is frequently captured by the hypnotic leer of the scores of writhing gargoyles that seem to erupt from the exterior stonework. They seem less sculpted and more preserved in stone, like ancient guardians of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

St Oswald's in Widford sits isolated in a meadow, accessible only by a rough track. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, visitors make their way towards a building that looks more like a farm building from a far away. Its construction is mostly from the 1200s, but inside, evidence of an earlier Saxon or early Norman structure become visible. Archaeological digs have uncovered ancient Roman tiles and fragments of 14th-century frescoes. Enclosed seating from the 1700s are still in situ. The resulting 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 churches one could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is rather unassuming—a feature possibly intended to not attract suspicion during the Ottoman rule. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every inch of wall and ceiling is covered in luminous religious icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly overwhelming and all-encompassing.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, founded in the 1100s, is structurally rather simple. The church's true glory, though, is its windows. Every single one were designed by the celebrated artist Marc Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a family's daughter. Chagall was so impressed by the church that he decided to create the remaining windows, a work finished in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling range of blue hues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a peaceful environment is a blissful sensation. Admission to this extraordinary treasure is free.