Basilica Virgin Mary Křtiny, Catholic pilgrimage church in Křtiny, Czech Republic
The Basilica of the Virgin Mary in Křtiny is a Baroque church standing 73 meters tall with a Greek cross floor plan, a central dome, and four symmetrical wings. Beneath the main floor lies an ossuary with historical remains, and a Gothic Madonna statue from the 14th century is displayed inside.
Construction started in 1718 under architect Jan Santini Aichel and finished in 1771, replacing an earlier medieval building on the site. The project grew from increasing pilgrimage devotion and the need for a larger space to accommodate growing numbers of visitors.
The church draws pilgrims who visit the Madonna statue and participate in religious celebrations throughout the year. This site holds deep spiritual meaning for many visitors seeking prayer and reflection.
The church is accessible on foot and visitors can explore the main church building and the ossuary beneath it. It is best to visit during daylight hours and allow time to walk through the interior and underground spaces properly.
The bell tower contains 27 bells ranging in weight from 9 to 364 kilograms, one of Central Europe's largest bell collections. This carillon creates a distinctive sound that carries across the surrounding landscape.
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