About the Church
The Roman Catholic church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Skaistkalne stands in the centre of the town of Skaistkalne, in the Bauska municipality, right on the border with Lithuania, in the historic region of Semigallia (Zemgale). It is one of the most important Catholic shrines in Latvia and the second most popular place of Marian pilgrimage in the country after Aglona – often called the "Lourdes of Latvia".
The church was built by the Jesuits at the end of the 17th century; construction was completed around 1692. It is considered one of the first early Baroque buildings in Latvia, and its two-tower composition recalls the cathedral type found in Catholic countries. In the 20th century the parish was cared for by Capuchin friars. During the Second World War the church suffered damage – both towers were destroyed and later rebuilt.
The shrine is famous for its image of the Mother of God – Patroness of Latvian Families – held to be miraculous, before which engaged couples and families pray in particular. The church's interior is distinguished by Italian Baroque features and an impressive wooden altar.
To this day Skaistkalne remains an important centre of Catholic spiritual life for Semigallia and for the whole of Latvia, drawing large numbers of pilgrims every year.
The church was built by the Jesuits at the end of the 17th century; construction was completed around 1692. It is considered one of the first early Baroque buildings in Latvia, and its two-tower composition recalls the cathedral type found in Catholic countries. In the 20th century the parish was cared for by Capuchin friars. During the Second World War the church suffered damage – both towers were destroyed and later rebuilt.
The shrine is famous for its image of the Mother of God – Patroness of Latvian Families – held to be miraculous, before which engaged couples and families pray in particular. The church's interior is distinguished by Italian Baroque features and an impressive wooden altar.
To this day Skaistkalne remains an important centre of Catholic spiritual life for Semigallia and for the whole of Latvia, drawing large numbers of pilgrims every year.