Aglona

A small town dominated by its twin-towered white Baroque basilica, Latvia's most important Catholic pilgrimage site drawing huge crowds each August. The surrounding lakeland setting and the nearby Bread Museum add to its appeal.

Things to do

• Aglona Basilica — Visit Latvia's most important Catholic shrine, a twin-towered white Baroque church housing the revered icon of the Miraculous Mother of God.
• August 15 Pilgrimage — Join tens of thousands of pilgrims for the Feast of the Assumption, the largest religious gathering in Latvia.
• Bread Museum (Maizes muzejs) — Learn traditional Latgalian bread-baking and taste warm loaves fresh from a wood-fired oven.
• Christ the King Hill — Walk the sculpture park beside the basilica depicting scenes from the life of Christ and Latvian history.
• Lake Cirīšs — Relax, swim or boat on the scenic lake right beside the town, part of the Aglona lakeland.
• Museum of Antiquities (Karol Museum) — Explore a quirky private collection of household and rural artifacts spanning centuries of Latgalian life.

Food to try

• Latgalian rye bread — Dense, dark sourdough rye baked in wood ovens, best sampled hot at the Bread Museum.
• Kļockys (Latgalian dumplings) — Hearty potato and grain dumplings that are a staple of eastern Latvian home cooking.
• Silķe ar biezpienu — Salted herring served with fresh curd cheese, a classic Latgalian rustic combination.
• Biezpiena sieriņi — Sweet curd cheese snacks often sold at markets and pilgrimage stalls.
• Freshwater fish — Perch, pike and other catch from the surrounding lakes appear grilled or smoked in local kitchens.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly at the basilica — Cover shoulders and knees and keep quiet, as it is an active place of worship and prayer.
• Book ahead in August — Accommodation across the region fills up around the August 15 feast, so reserve well in advance.
• Latgalian identity — This is the heart of Catholic Latgale, where the distinct Latgalian language and traditions remain strong.
• Bring cash — Small guesthouses, market stalls and rural spots may not accept cards, especially during festivals.

Nearby

• Aglona Basilica — 0 km
• Rāzna Lake — 26 km
• Krāslava — 28 km
• Daugava Bends Nature Park — 28 km