Church of Holy Name of Mary

The Church of the Holy Name of Mary is a Gothic-Baroque church in Slup, a small village in the Znojmo district of South Moravia, Czech Republic, and both the architectural landmark of the settlement and a pilgrimage destination with a history spanning several centuries.

How old is the church?

The first written record of a church on this site dates back to 1228, when a Romanesque building stood here. The structure visitors see today largely dates from the late 15th century, built in late Gothic style and possibly resting on the foundations of the earlier Romanesque church. It was reworked in Baroque style during the 17th century, and in 1845 it received the classicist appearance that still defines much of its exterior. Because of these successive rebuilds, the church reads almost like a layered record of architectural styles spanning medieval to 19th-century Central Europe.

Why is Slup a pilgrimage site?

Since the early 17th century, Slup has drawn pilgrims devoted to a Marian tradition known locally as "Our Lady under the willows." The object of this veneration is a Marian statue from the 15th century, displayed on the church's main altar. This cult has made the church a spiritual center not just for the village itself but for the surrounding area, and it remains one of the more enduring Marian pilgrimage traditions in South Moravia.

What makes the building worth a visit?

The church is listed as a protected cultural monument of the Czech Republic, reflecting its recognized historical and architectural value. In 2010 it received an award for the best-restored monument in South Moravia, a recognition that highlights the quality of the conservation work carried out on the building. Visitors can trace the layers of its history directly in the structure — the Gothic core, Baroque decorative touches, and the classicist finish applied in the 19th century all remain visible side by side.

How do you get to Slup?

Slup lies in the Znojmo district of South Moravia, close to the Austrian border. It's a small village best reached by car from Znojmo or nearby towns in the region. The church itself, being the dominant structure in the village skyline, is visible from a distance and serves as a natural landmark for anyone travelling through this part of South Moravia.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the site's pilgrimage character, it's worth checking the local calendar of Marian feast days if you want to experience the living devotional tradition around the church. For visitors mainly interested in the architecture, daytime visits work best, since natural light brings out the detail of the facade and the overall shape of the building after its classicist remodeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Church of the Holy Name of Mary in Slup? The site has been mentioned since 1228, though the current building mainly dates from the late 15th century and was substantially rebuilt in later centuries.

Why do pilgrims come to Slup? Since the early 17th century, pilgrims have come to venerate a 15th-century Marian statue on the main altar, known locally as "Our Lady under the willows."

Is the church a protected monument? Yes, it is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic and received an award in 2010 for being the best-restored monument in South Moravia.

Where exactly is Slup located? Slup is a village in the Znojmo district of South Moravia, near the border with Austria.