Baltic Visitor

The basilica in Aglona is the most important place of Christian pilgrimage in Latvia. The original wooden building – founded by the Dominican Order in 1699 – burnt down in 1766, leading to the construction of the current late Baroque structure. It became a basilica in 1980, on its 200th anniversary. In 1993 Pope John Paul II visited, and the church was renovated specially. This included removing many trees from in front of the building, creating a huge courtyard in which he could address the crowds.

Aglona is famous for two things. The first is an icon dating from the early 17th century, said to have healing powers. It is kept over the altar but is covered by another icon which slides away at certain special services. The second thing is the story of a vision in which a local woman saw the Virgin Mary carrying the baby Jesus, on 15th August 1698. Significantly, that day was the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which marks her passage into heaven. Since independence this has become a hugely popular day of pilgrimage, with over 100,000 people visiting on a single day.

Much more information is available from the Latgale Research Centre website.

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