Aglona

Aglona is a town in the Latgale region of Latvia, in the southeastern part of the country. It lies in a rural area near the city of Daugavpils and is historically associated with Catholic religious life in Latvia.

The town's principal landmark is the Basilica of the Assumption of Mary, a large Baroque church that serves as a major Catholic pilgrimage site. The basilica, dating from the 18th century, forms the heart of a religious complex that includes facilities for pilgrims and a sacral museum. Aglona’s basilica is regarded as one of Latvia's most important Marian shrines, attracting thousands of visitors from Latvia and neighboring countries, particularly during the annual pilgrimage around the Feast of the Assumption on August 15.

Aglona is a small, rural town with an economy based on agriculture and local services. The population is in the low thousands, and the community is characterized by a strong Latvian and Latgalian cultural and religious identity. The town’s history and religious significance make it a notable center within Latgale and Latvia at large.

Transport connections include road access and regional bus routes; the nearest major urban center is Daugavpils, from which onward connections are available by rail and road.