Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Aglona, Latvia Verified listing

Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Aglona, Latvia

The Aglona Roman Catholic Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, located in Aglona, is one of Latvia’s most important Catholic spiritual centers. Construction of the church began in 1768 and finished in 1780. Built in the Italian Baroque style, it was dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Bishop J. Benislavski consecrated it in 1800.

From 1920 to 1924, the basilica served as the seat of the bishop of Riga. In 1920, Archbishop Antonijs Springovičs moved the seat to the Cathedral of St. James in Riga after his consecration by Kaunas Auxiliary Bishop Juozapas Skvireckas. This marked a key moment in the church’s history.

Every year, on August 15, thousands of pilgrims gather at the basilica to celebrate the feast day of the Assumption. The event attracts visitors from around the world, making it one of the largest gatherings in Latvia. The Holy See recognizes the basilica as one of only eight international shrines. During key religious events, the basilica hosts up to 300,000 pilgrims.

In 1980, the basilica celebrated its 200th anniversary. Pope John Paul II granted it the title of "Basilica minoris" to honor its spiritual importance. Later, in 1993, the pope visited the basilica, reinforcing its status as a major center of pilgrimage.

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