Kostel Panny Marie Sedmibolestné a Povýšení svatého Kříže na Cvilíně

The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Cvilín Hill, above the town of Krnov in Czech Silesia, stands 437 metres above sea level on the hill's southeastern edge. The twin-towered Baroque building, painted in white and red, is visible from far away, and once lit up at night it becomes a landmark for the whole surrounding area. It ranks among the most important pilgrimage sites in Czech Silesia.

How did this pilgrimage site come about?

Devotion on Cvilín Hill dates back to the 17th century, and local legend even links the origins of the cult to the medieval king Ottokar II of Bohemia. In 1684, at the initiative of the friar Fr. Kornelius Ottweiler, a wooden chapel dedicated to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and Our Lady of Sorrows was built on the hill. That modest structure marked the beginning of what would become today's sanctuary.

When was the stone church built?

Construction of a masonry church on the site of the wooden chapel began in 1721. The work was carried out by Andreas and Georg Gans, a father-and-son team of builders active in Krnov. The result was a Baroque building with a main nave and four side chapels, crowned by the two distinctive towers that still dominate the hill's silhouette today.

What is worth seeing inside?

The interior is decorated with an elaborate fresco scheme by the Brno painter František Eckstein, created between 1726 and 1727. This is one of the main reasons to step inside rather than admire the church only from the outside — the paintings rank among the most valuable elements of its furnishings.

How do you reach the top of the hill?

A Baroque staircase of nearly 222 stone steps, built in the early 1870s, leads up to Cvilín. Climbing the stairs is an integral part of visiting the sanctuary — for many pilgrims the ascent itself is part of the religious experience, while for visitors it also offers a scenic reward: views over Krnov and the surrounding hills.

What protected status does the church have?

The church on Cvilín Hill has been protected as an immovable cultural monument since 1958. In 2018, the entire complex — the church together with the Way of the Cross leading up to it — was elevated to the status of a national cultural monument of the Czech Republic, confirming the site's exceptional significance for the region's heritage.

Is it still an active place of worship?

Yes. Cvilín continues to host annual religious celebrations, including pilgrimages honouring Our Lady of Sorrows and services connected with the veneration of St. Charbel. The sanctuary remains an active place of prayer, not merely an architectural monument.

Frequently asked questions

How many steps lead up to the church? Nearly 222 stone steps climb the Baroque staircase to the top of Cvilín Hill.

When was the stone church built? Construction began in 1721, replacing a wooden chapel that had stood on the site since 1684.

Who painted the frescoes inside? The frescoes were created by the Brno painter František Eckstein between 1726 and 1727.

Is the church a protected monument? Yes — it has been protected since 1958, and since 2018 the whole complex (church and Way of the Cross) holds the status of a national cultural monument.

Are pilgrimages still held here? Yes, Cvilín remains an active pilgrimage site with annual celebrations honouring Our Lady of Sorrows and the veneration of St. Charbel.