Basilica of the Visitation, Baroque church in Hejnice, Czech Republic

The Basilica of the Visitation is a Baroque church beside the Franciscan monastery in Hejnice, northern Bohemia. Built in 1722–1729 to plans by Tomáš Haffenecker, it is laid out crosswise: the presbytery of the older Gothic church survives as the right (eastern) arm of the transept, and the main nave runs north–south over a filled ravine. It holds about 1,000 pilgrims.

The site traces back to 1211, when a vision reported under a linden tree began drawing pilgrims to the spot. A wooden chapel was built there, later replaced by a stone one, and eventually the current Baroque church was completed in the 18th century.

The basilica is an active pilgrimage site that draws the faithful from across the Czech Republic and nearby Poland. Inside, votive tablets and offerings cover the walls, left by visitors who came seeking help or giving thanks.

The church sits in the center of Hejnice and is easy to reach on foot from the village, with a path that passes through a wooded area. Visiting outside the main pilgrimage season means fewer people and more time to look around quietly.

The Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary with the Child, 38 cm tall and known as the Beautiful Mother (Mater Formosa), is the object pilgrims venerate here. According to legend it was carried off to Liberec Castle in 1609, survived the castle fire of 2 May 1615, and was returned the same year.