Aglona – Pilgrimage Tradition, Culture and Nature Experiences

• Aglona Basilica is an important Catholic religious centre in Latvia.
• Every year on 15 August, pilgrims come to Aglona to celebrate the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
• The nature trail on Cirīšas Upursala is a 1.7-kilometre circular route.
• The “Lielais ģimenes loks” cycling route is approximately 20 kilometres long and connected to Aglona.
• The Aglona Bread Museum offers tastings and various herbal teas.

The most important cultural landmark is Aglona Basilica. It houses an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures and works of art. This includes the icon “Aglonas Brīnumdarītāja Dievmāte”, created in the 17th century, which is unveiled only on religious holidays. 15 August is therefore a special date for travellers who want to discover Aglona in connection with religious tradition and pilgrimage.

However, the cultural offering extends beyond the basilica. The WW2 – World War II and Antiques Museum was established in 2008. It displays weapons and ammunition from both sides of the Eastern Front, as well as soldiers’ personal belongings and letters. Visitors can also try on and photograph a World War II uniform. The Post and Information Museum offers another perspective on history and everyday culture, with a journey through the development of information history and postal history in Latvia and around the world.

For a nature-focused stay, Cirīšas Upursala is a specific option. At 16 hectares, the island is the largest and best-known of the eight islands in Lake Cirīša. A 1.7-kilometre circular route leads through the landscape on the island. Information boards and stations cover trees, protected plants, animals and birds. The route is therefore particularly suitable for a short, clearly focused exploration on foot, without the need to plan a longer hike.

The nature park “Cirīša ezers” forms part of the wider geographical context. It protects a landscape characteristic of the Latgale Upland with its natural assets, is located in Aglonas pagasts in Preiļi Municipality, covers 1,275 hectares and belongs to the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas. Raft trips on the Cirīša Lake are also offered on the “Vektra” raft. Those who want to combine Aglona with physical activity can also include the approximately 20-kilometre “Lielais ģimenes loks” cycling route in their plans.

Christ the King's Mount is a 20-hectare complex of wooden sculptures depicting biblical scenes. These include Noah’s Ark, the Garden of Paradise, a wooden church and the Island of Love. The complex can be explored on foot independently or with a guide. This makes the visit different from a museum tour: you decide whether to discover the site independently or as part of a guided tour.

The Aglona Bread Museum also has its own focus. The permanent exhibition includes equipment and objects used in traditional bread baking. Tastings and various herbal teas complement the offering.

Start with the experiences that are decisive for your travel group. The basilica and the annual pilgrimage day call for different travel planning than the circular route on Upursala, the bread museum or the raft trip. This allows you to compare accommodation in Aglona not only by accommodation type, but also in the context of your planned stay.

A longer stay can also be filled in different ways: the WW2 Museum, the Post and Information Museum and Christ the King's Mount each offer their own distinct focus. For a cycling-focused trip, the approximately 20-kilometre “Lielais ģimenes loks” is another option. If a short nature excursion is sufficient, the 1.7-kilometre circular route on Upursala provides a clearly defined activity. You can find other places within the same wider area via Ladiškina, Grāveri and Priežmale.

When do pilgrims come to Aglona?

Every year on 15 August, pilgrims come to Aglona to celebrate the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

What is there to see in Aglona Basilica?

The basilica houses paintings, sculptures and other works of art. This includes the icon “Aglonas Brīnumdarītāja Dievmāte”, created in the 17th century, which is unveiled only on religious holidays.

How long is the nature trail on Upursala?

The nature trail on Cirīšas Upursala is a 1.7-kilometre circular route with information boards and stations about trees, protected plants, animals and birds.

What culinary experience does the Aglona Bread Museum offer?

The permanent exhibition displays equipment and objects used in traditional bread baking. Tastings and various herbal teas are also offered.

Is there a cycling route connected to Aglona?

The approximately 20-kilometre “Lielais ģimenes loks” cycling route is connected to Aglona.

For the overarching travel overview: Aglonas Novads.