The church is one of the most characteristic samples of the Baroque style in Latgale. The first church was built in 1580-1590 by Miķelis de Brunavs, and it was wooden. The current stone church had reconstructed from 1755 to 1767, according to the sketches of the Italian architect Antonio Parako.

The altarpiece “St. Ludwig Leaves for Crusade” represents the artistic culmination of the interior. It is one of the most valuable art findings in the last years. The masterpiece gives a wonderful lighting effect. There are two portraits of the 18th century made by the Italian painter Filipo Castaldi: one is the portrait of Count Constantine Ludwig Plater and the second – Countess Augusta Plater (born as Oginska), who were the founders of the church.
The church features a Baroque pulpit, seven confessionals (middle of the 18th century and later), paintings in the side altars, among the most notable – St. Joseph, St. Antonio, St. Vincent, St. Juris, St. Stanislav and others.
Talking about Krāslava Catholic Church and its significance for the region, one should pay attention to the martyr St. Donat’s relics that attract numerous pilgrims.
There is an opportunity to apply for organ music concerts, where compositions of J.S. Bach, G.F. Handel, D.D. Shostakovitch and R.A. Schumann are played.

A church is opened from May-September (6.30am-18.30pm), to visit in another time, please apply in advance.

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Krāslava Roman catholic church of st. Ludvigs

Krāslava Roman catholic church of st. Ludvigs

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