Obnova krive crkve u Karvini je završena.

The most tilted church in the Czech Republic has undergone a significant transformation, emerging from a period of renovation with its original colors restored. The Church of Saint Peter in Alkantary, located in Karviná-Doly, stands as one of the last remaining witnesses to the long-lost city of Stará Karviná. This unique structure, known for its dramatic tilt, has now been revitalized after extensive work on both its roof and façade, which were previously covered in scaffolding during the restoration process. According to Ondřej Elbel, spokesperson for the Ostrava-Opava Bishopric, the church is once again visible in its full glory, having regained its historical appearance with a combination of gray-white façade and red roof, reminiscent of how it appeared in past centuries.

The restoration project included replacing the old roofing material, which had exceeded its lifespan after thirty years. The original asbestos-free fiber cement used in the 1990s was removed early this April and replaced with fired clay tiles known as "bobrovka." This change not only enhances the visual appeal but also aligns the church's appearance with historical records. Archival photographs and postcards provide evidence of this traditional color scheme, which has now been meticulously recreated. In addition to the new roofing, the church’s façade, which suffers due to its inclination, has also been restored. This inclination is a result of coal mining activities that caused the ground beneath the church to sink by approximately 37 meters, tilting the building nearly seven degrees southward from its vertical axis.

The restoration efforts have been made possible through a European Union grant under the "Fair Transformation" program, aimed at supporting regions affected by coal mining. Additional funding came from entrance fees collected during guided tours of the church. Despite these financial challenges, the church remains accessible to visitors and continues to host regular Sunday services, ensuring that religious life within the community is uninterrupted. The church has become a major tourist attraction, drawing over 16,200 visitors in 2025 alone, thanks in part to the popularity generated by the trilogy "Šikmý kostel" by Karin Lednická and the activities organized by the Stará Karviná association.

During the summer months, guided tours of the church will take place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM without requiring prior reservations. These tours will continue until the end of October. The church, built in 1736 in the Baroque style, originally stood on the site of a wooden church dedicated to Saint Martin, mentioned as early as 1447. It was saved in the late 1990s when the OKD company funded structural reinforcement to address damage caused by mining activities. This reinforcement involved the use of a reinforced concrete ring to stabilize the significantly tilted structure.

One notable difference between the current state of the church and its historical appearance is the height of its tower, which was reduced in the 1960s due to the tilt. The original tower could not be fully restored because of the risk of collapse given the degree of inclination. Despite this, the church remains a prominent landmark and a symbol of the area’s rich history. As part of the restoration, special attention was paid to the northern side of the church, where water runoff had caused cracks and mold due to the tilt. The meticulous restoration of the façade and roof ensures that the church maintains its historical integrity while being preserved for future generations.