⛪ Aglona Basilica
Latvia
About This Sacred Site
The Basilica of the Assumption in Aglona is the most important Catholic shrine in Latvia and one of the most significant in the Baltic region. Founded by Dominican friars in 1699, the white Baroque church houses a wonder-working icon of the Virgin Mary that draws up to 300,000 pilgrims annually on the Feast of the Assumption (August 15). Pope John Paul II visited in 1993 and elevated the church to a minor basilica. The site holds special importance for Latgalian Catholic identity.
Key Facts
- •Up to 300,000 pilgrims gather on the Feast of the Assumption (August 15) each year
- •Founded by Dominican friars in 1699 and built in the Baroque style
- •Houses a miracle-working icon of the Virgin Mary
- •Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass here before 300,000 people during his 1993 visit
- •The basilica is the most important symbol of Latgale's distinct Catholic heritage
Location
Coordinates: 56.1328, 27.0097
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