The white towers
Above the village.
Mikauss — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Zairon — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Zairon — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ksenija Vinogradova — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Zairon — CC BY-SA 4.0
Aglona Basilica is one of the most important Catholic spiritual centres in Latvia, its white front and twin towers rising over a small village between two lakes in the Latgale region. It is one of the international shrines recognised by the Holy See, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year, though it is very quiet on other days. The present church was begun in 1768 in Italian Baroque style, finished in 1780 and consecrated by Bishop Jan Benisławski in 1800. It is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It was the seat of the bishop of Riga from 1920 to 1924, before the move to St. James's Cathedral in Riga. Its religious events have drawn around 300,000 pilgrims. A broad meadow and long path run towards the front, with small domes on the towers, a low white gateway at the edge of the square and a small open chapel. Lakes and pine forest lie behind and around it. At pilgrimage time, candles glitter around the lit front at night, turning the quiet village into a very different scene. Aglona village is about 40 km northeast of Daugavpils and 200 km in a straight line from Riga. Visits peak on 15 August, so book early if you come then. This is a place of worship, so dress modestly, stay quiet and do not take pictures during prayers. Allow time for the area's lakes in summer, and bring mosquito repellent.
Above the village.
Across the meadow.
Candles around the front.
Aglona, between Lakes Cirišs and Egles
On 15 August, the Feast of the Assumption.
Yes, about 40 km.