The heart of Aglona city unquestionably is the basilica – the Latvian Catholicism center and the holy place of the world’s significance. Basilica of Aglona was built in the late baroque style; it is decorated with two approximately 60 meters high towers (the 1st part of the 18th century, 1768 – 1800).
Aglona, as one of the centers of the Baltic tribes, is known since 1800.-500. b.c. Once this place was overgrown by a large forest of spruces, from which Aglona later got its name, as spruce in the local (Latgalian) language is spelled like egle/agle. There is historical evidence, which proves that Aglona was a holy place for ancient tribes of the Latgale region.
Today Basilica’s splendid interior is worth seeing – cross vaults, arches, and columns decorated in rococo style and 10 ornate altars. Visitors also can view several beautiful oil paintings created in the 18th-19th century. Basilica organs are more than 200 years old. The altarpiece icon „Our Miraculous Lady of Aglona” (17th century), as well as holy spring water, is known for its healing powers.
In 1980 Pope John Paul II gave Aglona church the title of the “minor basilica” (“basilica minoris”). It is the only one in Latvia.
Pilgrims come to Aglona every year on August 15 to celebrate the day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven. Group visits by prior arrangement.
