Basilica of the Assumption, Aglona
Church Major Latvian pilgrimage basilica and Baroque sanctuary
Aglona’s Basilica of the Assumption is Latvia’s principal Catholic pilgrimage church, hosting large August pilgrimages and daily services; visitors come for religious festivals, baroque interior and quiet monastery grounds.
The Basilica of the Assumption in Aglona is the principal Roman Catholic shrine in eastern Latvia and a major national Marian pilgrimage site. The church is the focal point for large religious gatherings in the Latgale region.
The basilica complex and its open forecourt accommodate mass gatherings and religious ceremonies; the site is visited year-round by pilgrims and tourists, with the largest attendance around the feast of the Assumption. Visitors encounter a sizable church building and the surrounding pilgrimage infrastructure.
The present church building dates to the late 18th century and the location has been a centre of Catholic devotion in the region since that period. It has developed as a national pilgrimage destination over subsequent centuries.
The basilica sits in the village of Aglona in Preiļi Municipality in eastern Latvia’s Latgale region.
- Pilgrimage day: The main liturgical feast is the Assumption on 15 August, when the site draws large numbers of pilgrims from around Latvia and neighbouring regions.
Tips for Visiting Basilica of the Assumption, Aglona #
- If you prefer a quiet visit, avoid around 15 August (the Feast of the Assumption), when Aglona becomes a major pilgrimage destination and the basilica is extremely busy.
- Plan to arrive early in the morning on non‑pilgrimage days to explore the basilica interior and the surrounding parkland before tour buses and groups arrive.
Best Time to Visit Basilica of the Assumption, Aglona #
If you want to avoid the large religious crowds, visit Aglona in May or September rather than around the August 15 Assumption celebrations.
Weather & Climate near Basilica of the Assumption, Aglona #
Basilica of the Assumption, Aglona's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (640 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 80 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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