The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Štípa is a significant Marian pilgrimage site located in eastern Moravia near Zlín. This baroque church houses the revered statue of Our Lady of Štípa and forms part of an architectural ensemble that includes its adjacent monastery, sculptural decorations around the church, and a group of protected linden trees. Pilgrimages to this sacred site date back to the 14th century, highlighting its longstanding religious importance.

The origins of the Church trace back to the early 17th century when Albrecht z Valdštejna, a prominent nobleman and owner of the Lukov estate, founded both the monastery and church. This initiative was inspired by his first wife, Lukrécie Nekšovna z Landeka, who died in 1614 and wished for such a religious establishment. The founding charter for the monastery was issued in 1617, marking an important milestone. Albrecht commissioned Italian artists to construct the new church and monastery between 1615 and 1620. However, due to historical events like the Thirty Years' War, construction progressed slowly until the Seilern family acquired the estate in 1724. Under their guidance, Moravian architect Ignác Josef Cyrani completed the Baroque church, which was consecrated in 1765 with a gathering of 35,000 pilgrims.

Architecturally, the Church is characterized by its baroque style and single nave design. The interior features significant artistic elements such as a glass case housing the statue of Our Lady of Štípa on the main altar, flanked by sculptures of saints Cyril and Methodius, Francis Seraphicus, and Norbert. Additional statues include those of Saint Joseph, Saint Anne, Saint Joachim, and Saint Elizabeth in the apse behind the altar. The church's ceiling is adorned with paintings depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, while a crossway path dating back to 1905 enhances its spiritual ambiance. Notably, during the 18th and 19th centuries, the church served as a burial site for the Seilern family, with a prominent marble tombstone dedicated to Count Christian August Seilern located on the right side of the nave.

Ownership and administration of the Church have seen several transitions over the centuries. Initially under Albrecht z Valdštejna's ownership in the 17th century, it later passed through various hands, including the Minkvicové family during the tumultuous period of the Thirty Years' War. The Seilern family played a crucial role in its development and preservation until they acquired the estate in 1724. Today, the church is managed by the local parish of Štípa, under the jurisdiction of the Vizovice deanery and the Olomouc archdiocese.

In contemporary times, the Church remains a vibrant site for religious devotion and cultural heritage. Regular services are held four times weekly, with the main pilgrimage occurring on the weekend closest to September 8th, celebrating the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. The church is accessible to the public daily from May through September as part of the Open Gates project, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and artistic treasures. Adjacent to the church, the monastery is currently managed by the Carmelite order since 1996, further enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of this historic site.

The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Štípa offers a unique glimpse into the religious and cultural heritage of eastern Moravia. Its baroque architecture, historical significance, and enduring tradition as a pilgrimage destination make it an invaluable landmark worth visiting for those interested in history, art, and spirituality.