Basilica in Aglona

About

Built in 1780 to replace an older wooden church that had burned down, the Aglona Basilica is one of the country’s most important Catholic sites. Every year, tens of thousands of pilgrims make their way to Aglona without packing for the journey for the day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15th. The Baroque facade is accented by two 60-meter-high towers, while the interior richly decorated in the Rococo style, with plenty of gold and marble. Of the church’s large collection of paintings and sculptures, the most important piece is the 17th century “Our Miraculous Lady of Aglona” icon, which is only unveiled to the public during religious celebrations. Visitors can also fill up a bottle from the nearby sacred spring, the waters of which are said to have miraculous healing powers.