Kostel Panny Marie Bolestné in Sloup is a Roman Catholic parish church and Marian pilgrimage site located in the village of Sloup, Jihomoravský kraj. Constructed between 1751 and 1754, this baroque architectural marvel was inspired by a miraculous healing attributed to a late Gothic statue of Our Lady of Sorrows. The church is notable for its unique turtle-shaped floor plan, symbolizing Mary's protection, and features two impressive forty-meter towers.

The origins of Kostel Panny Marie Bolestné are deeply rooted in an event at the beginning of the 18th century when a local miller’s daughter was miraculously healed after praying before a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows. This statue had been gifted to her father by Count Karl Ludwig von Rogendorf. The miraculous healing spurred an influx of pilgrims, leading to the construction of a chapel dedicated to Saint Cross in 1728. As visitor numbers grew, a larger church became necessary. After her husband's death in 1738, Countess Karolina von Rogendorf commissioned Italian architect Isidor Marcello Canavale and oversaw the construction that transformed Sloup into a significant religious site.

The architectural design of Kostel Panny Marie Bolestné exemplifies baroque style with its grandeur and dramatic elements. The church's distinctive turtle-shaped floor plan is symbolic. Its western façade features two towering spires dominating the skyline. A Latin inscription above the main entrance reads "Stalo se tak řízením Hospodina, je to obdivuhodné v našich očích" (Psalm 113), accompanied by a date and the coat of arms of its founders, Countess Karolina and her husband Karl Ludwig von Rogendorf. The church has undergone several restorations; initially painted green-white in 1854, it was later repainted yellow-white and eventually acquired its current white-blue appearance after renovations in the 1960s. The most recent major restoration of the exterior took place in 1999.

Throughout its history, Kostel Panny Marie Bolestné has been under the stewardship of various figures who played crucial roles in its development. Count Karl Ludwig von Rogendorf initiated the project by acquiring the statue that led to the church's founding. After his death, his wife, Countess Karolina von Rogendorf, ensured the completion of the church, which was consecrated on October 27, 1754, by Bishop Julius Troyer. The church became a focal point for the local community, with workers being exempt from feudal duties and receiving fair wages during its construction.

The church has witnessed several key events that have cemented its status as a pilgrimage site. In 1728, the first mass was celebrated in the original chapel housing the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows. The miraculous healing associated with this statue drew pilgrims from near and far, leading to the establishment of Kostel Panny Marie Bolestné. Countess Karolina von Rogendorf's dedication extended beyond her lifetime; she bequeathed her summer residence in Sloup to the newly established parish in 1755 and was buried in its crypt after her death in 1759.

Today, Kostel Panny Marie Bolestné stands as a well-preserved example of baroque architecture and remains an active place of worship. Its historical significance and architectural beauty make it a worthwhile visit for anyone interested in religious history or baroque artistry. The church's serene environment and rich heritage offer visitors a glimpse into the past, inviting them to explore its storied walls and appreciate its enduring legacy as a site of faith and pilgrimage.