France: Le Havre – Saint-Joseph Church

Le Havre is a major port city and a UNESCO World Heritage site for its modernist architecture – the city was found in 1517 but was almost completely destroyed during the bombing in WWII in 1944. After the war, architect Auguste Perret led its reconstruction using concrete, creating a unique modernist cityscape grid layout, wide boulevards, and concrete buildings. The absolute standout here is a rather futuristic Saint-Joseph Church built in 1957 and the centerpiece of the modernist city. The church is built out of reinforced concrete and has a crucifix layout with a massive 107m octagonal tower. The tower is visible for miles and actually doubles as a beacon! The interior is equally stunning and lined with 6,500 multicolored stained-glass panels that create a kaleidoscopic effect.