The church was constructed between 1722 and 1728 on the site of a former wooden chapel.
The interior paintings were executed by the significant Silesian painter Ignaz Günther.
The building features a unique 'cross-in-square' floor plan designed to accommodate large groups of pilgrims.
The organ, installed in the 18th century, is one of the few surviving original instruments in the region.
The complex includes a 19th-century Way of the Cross consisting of 14 stations leading up the hill.
During the post-WWII era, the church suffered from significant neglect before undergoing extensive restoration starting in the 1990s.
The Church of the Seven Dolours of the Virgin Mary and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a baroque pilgrimage site situated on the Cvilín hill in Krnov. The site dates back to the mid-18th century, designed by architect Georg Friedrich Gans. It features a prominent double-tower facade and an interior characterized by rich rococo stucco work and frescoes. The church serves as a destination for the annual September pilgrimage feast. Visitors can observe the nearby Cvilín lookout tower, which offers panoramic views of the Jeseníky mountains and the surrounding region. The church complex is maintained by the Minorite order. It occupies a high-altitude location overlooking the Opava river valley.
The grassy vantage point directly in front of the main portal provides a clear shot of the twin towers.
Visit the adjacent lookout tower for a complete perspective of the Silesian landscape.
Bring comfortable footwear as the path up the hill involves a steady incline.
Check local parish notices for events as the church remains an active religious site.
Do not attempt to drive directly to the church entrance as parking is restricted to the base of the hill.
The church typically hosts services on weekends; access to the interior for sightseeing may be limited during liturgical functions.
Maintain silence, remove hats, and refrain from photography during active religious services.
