Catholic
Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Šiluva
One of Lithuania's most famous pilgrimage sites, where the first Marian apparition in Europe took place in 1608.
The Basilica of Šiluva is one of Lithuania's most important Catholic pilgrimage sites, connected to the 1608 apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary – the first recognized Marian apparition in Europe. The current neoclassical basilica was built in the 18th century according to architect Tomas Žebrauskas's design. Next to the basilica stands the Apparition Chapel, built on the spot where, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to shepherds. Every September, the great Šiluva feast attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over Lithuania and abroad. Šiluva is one of four European Marian shrines included in an international pilgrimage route.