An annual pilgrimage day, an icon unveiled only on religious holidays, and a 1.7-kilometer island loop trail represent very different sides of Aglona. The basilica and its art collection offer a setting for Catholic tradition; museums explore subjects including World War II and traditional bread-making. Nature adds another dimension around Lake Cirītis. When choosing Aglona as your destination, you can focus on pilgrimage traditions, cultural history, or the landscape.
Pilgrimage Traditions and Sacred Art
Aglona Basilica is an important Catholic religious center in Latvia. Every year on August 15, pilgrims come to Aglona to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This annual date provides a specific anchor for planning your trip if you want to experience the holiday. The basilica also houses an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and art treasures. These include the 17th-century icon “Aglonas Brīnumdarītāja Dievmāte,” which is unveiled only on religious holidays. The annual pilgrimage date and the holiday-bound unveiling of the icon are two distinct aspects of a visit.
Museums and Biblical Wooden Sculptures
The WW2 – World War II and Antiques Museum in Aglona was established in 2008. Visitors can try on and photograph a World War II uniform. This experience offers a hands-on interaction alongside viewing historical objects. The Christ the King's Mount offers a different cultural experience: this 20-hectare complex features wooden sculptures depicting biblical scenes. Its attractions include Noah’s Ark, the Garden of Paradise, a wooden church, and the Island of Love. Unlike the basilica’s art collection, this site focuses on biblical themes expressed through wooden sculptures. When planning your trip, you can weigh museum exhibits against a sculpture complex featuring religious depictions.
Bread Culture and Tastings
The Aglona Bread Museum focuses on traditional bread-making. Its permanent exhibition includes tools and objects used in the process, making the craft behind bread part of the exhibit. Tastings and a selection of herbal teas are also offered. If these experiences are a deciding factor for you, confirm the arrangements before your trip. This lets you tailor your visit to your interest in historic baking utensils, tastings, or both.
Lake Cirītis: Island Loop and Cycling Route
At 16 hectares, Upursala is the largest and best-known of the eight islands in Lake Cirītis. A 1.7-kilometer circular nature trail runs around Cirīša Upursala. Information boards and stations cover trees, protected plants, animals, and birds. The approximately 20-kilometer “Lielais ģimenes loks” cycling route is connected to Aglona. Based on the stated distances, this cycling route is considerably longer than the island loop; the route lengths can help you choose between a walking loop and a cycling route. Before setting off, it is advisable to check local road surfaces and signage.
Nature in a Regional Context
The “Cirīša ezers” Nature Park is located in Aglonas pagasts, in Preiļi Municipality. It protects a landscape characteristic of the Latgale Upland and its natural assets, covers 1,275 hectares, and is part of the European Natura 2000 protected area network. With its focus on landscape and protected areas, the park offers a regional perspective that differs from individual museum collections and the specific stops along the nature trail. Aglona therefore offers different trip-planning options: an annual pilgrimage date, cultural attractions, and nature activities with varying route lengths.
Discover more destinations: Grāveri, Priežmale, Ladiškina
Go to the main travel overview: Aglonas Novads.
