Šiluva brings together sacred architectural history and pilgrimage routes of varying lengths. The late Baroque Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the 44-metre-high Apsireiškimo Chapel represent different periods of construction; the museum complements the architectural focus with a distinctive collection. Hiking also offers two clearly different options: a Way of the Cross leads through Šiluva Forest to the chapel, while a longer pilgrimage route connects Šiaulės kalnas and Šiluva. This makes it possible to tailor a stay to your interest in history, the collection or the length of the route.

Basilica and Apsireiškimo Chapel

The present-day brick Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was consecrated on 8 September 1786. It is a late Baroque basilica. The Marian image housed in the basilica was solemnly crowned on the same day. Thus, two historical events are associated with the same date, but they remain distinct: the consecration of the building and the crowning of the image.

The Apsireiškimo Chapel represents a more recent period of construction. It was completed between 1922 and 1924 and consecrated on 8 September 1924. The chapel is 44 metres high and is the only monumental building by architect and sculptor Antanas Vivulskis that was completed and has survived to this day. The basilica and chapel therefore offer different historical reference points: one is associated with late Baroque architecture and the events of 1786, the other with a 20th-century building and its connection to Vivulskis.

Two Pilgrimage Routes, Different Distances

The Way of the Cross through Šiluva Forest is 2.5 kilometres long and leads to the Apsireiškimo Chapel. The Šiaulės kalnas–Šiluva pilgrimage route is 21 kilometres long and runs partly through Tytuvėnai Regional Park. The distances highlight the difference between the shorter forest route and the longer pilgrimage route; their stated courses also differ. If you plan to take either route, check the trail conditions before setting out, as they may change.

When planning a hike, both the distance and the destination or stated course are relevant for orientation. The Apsireiškimo Chapel is the destination of the Way of the Cross; the description of the longer route notes that it runs partly through the regional park. This makes it possible to consider the two routes as separate outings without combining them into a single route.

Museum and Local Information

The museum displays unique infulat vestments, which can be seen nowhere else in Lithuania. For visitors who would like to explore a specific collection as well as the architecture, the vestments are one of the site’s distinctive features.

The Pilgrim Information Centre is located at Jurgaičio g. 17 in Šiluva. If you plan to visit, check the opening arrangements in advance, as they may change.

Travel Timing and the Šilinės Festival

The Šilinės Festival of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary takes place from 8 to 15 September. The period begins on a date also associated with the consecration of the basilica and the crowning of the Marian image. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for the year you have in mind in advance.

Discover more destinations: Gabšiai, Ariogala, Pašuliai, Garliava, Ramučiai, Ringaudai, Altoniškiai, Kulautuva.

Go to the main travel overview: Kaunas District.