The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Vranov is a significant Roman Catholic pilgrimage church located in the village of Vranov, within the Brno-venkov district of southern Moravia. Commissioned by Maxmilián of Liechtenstein between 1617 and 1633, this early Baroque structure replaced an earlier wooden chapel. The church stands out for its architectural grandeur and as a cultural monument housing the crypt of the Lichtenštein family. Its historical significance is enhanced by legends dating back to 1240 when it became a site of veneration following a miraculous apparition of the Virgin Mary.

The origins of the Church are steeped in legend and history. According to local lore, in 1240, the Virgin Mary appeared to a Moravian nobleman named Vilém, who was lost in a forest suffering from blindness. In his desperation, he prayed for guidance and healing. The Virgin Mary is said to have appeared between two oaks, leading him out of the woods and miraculously restoring his sight. Following this event, Vilém commissioned a wooden chapel on the site where the apparition occurred. This chapel quickly gained fame as a pilgrimage destination, prompting the construction of a more substantial Gothic church in 1630 by the noble family of Lichtenštein.

The transition from a simple wooden chapel to an elaborate Baroque structure reflects both religious devotion and architectural evolution. The original chapel was replaced between 1617 and 1633 under the patronage of Maxmilián z Lichtenštejna, who commissioned Jesuit J. Maria and architect Giovanni Giacomo Tencalla for its design. This new church served as a place of worship and included a crypt for the Lichtenštein family, emphasizing their historical connection to the site. The Baroque style, characterized by grandeur and attention to detail, was chosen during a period when such architecture flourished in Catholic regions amidst the Counter-Reformation.

Ownership and administration of the Church have remained closely tied to its religious significance. Initially commissioned by Maxmilián z Lichtenštejna, it became part of the Roman Catholic Church's holdings over time. The site has maintained its status as a focal point for pilgrimage, reflecting both its spiritual importance and historical legacy.

Several key events and curiosities underscore the church's unique place in Moravian history. Among these is the Gothic sculpture of the Virgin Mary, considered one of the rarest artifacts in the region. This sculpture depicts the Virgin not as the traditional Madonna with Child but as a young woman in a posture of humble prayer, adding to its distinctiveness and allure.

Today, the Church remains an active place of worship and a cultural monument protected by the Czech Republic. Its historical layers—from the legendary apparition to architectural transformations—make it a compelling destination for visitors interested in religious history and Baroque artistry. The church's serene setting near Vranov, surrounded by remnants of its original monastery complex, adds depth to its appeal.

Visiting the Church offers a glimpse into Moravia's rich cultural tapestry, where legend intertwines with architectural beauty. Its enduring legacy as a site of pilgrimage and historical significance invites exploration and reflection, making it a must-see for those journeying through southern Moravia.