Hejnice’s Pilgrimage Church Marks 300 Years of Glory – Your Next Adventure Awaits!

Hejnice has been a significant place for people seeking the Virgin Mary’s help since the Middle Ages. It is noted as one of the three oldest sites for Marian pilgrimages in Bohemia. Over 300 years ago, between the years 1722 and 1729, the Gallas family initiated the construction of a new Baroque church. Interestingly, it was consecrated in 1725, even while the construction was still in progress, allowing services to start in the building. On July 1st, just before the Feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, the Guardian of Hejnice entered the church to consecrate it. Another notable aspect of this church, remarkable for being the largest religious monument in the Liberec Region, is the direction of its altar. The church, which is built on the site of an earlier medieval pilgrimage church, is designed in the shape of a Latin cross. To distinguish itself against the Jizera Mountain slopes, its main altar is oriented south instead of facing east.

The anniversary marking the church’s consecration is celebrated with the Light and Hope exhibition. This event takes place in the monastery gallery of this remarkable Baroque monument. The exhibition took a year and a half to prepare. One part showcases a collection of artworks by different artists from the late 18th century to the present day, while the other part highlights Hejnice’s history as a pilgrimage wonder site featuring Our Lady of Grace and the historical form of the Baroque church. Additionally, fascinating information about the Clam-Gallas family can be found there.