The Sanctuary of Šiluva

According to historical tradition, around 1608 shepherd children witnessed an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus, standing upon a large stone. This event shaped the spiritual identity of Šiluva and laid the foundation for a pilgrimage tradition that has continued uninterrupted for nearly 500 years.

At the heart of the shrine stands the red-brick Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in the second half of the 18th century. The basilica has preserved its original interior and houses a venerated painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Child, crowned with papal crowns. The image is widely revered by pilgrims and is associated with prayers for healing and spiritual grace.

Nearby rises the Chapel of Apparition, an outstanding example of early 20th century sacred architecture designed by architect Antanas Vivulskis. The chapel’s altar is built directly above the stone associated with the apparition. Pilgrims and visitors are invited to walk around the stone in silence and prayer – a devotional practice deeply rooted in the spiritual tradition of Šiluva. Over the centuries, the site has been associated with numerous testimonies of spiritual consolation and personal renewal.

Together, the Basilica, the Chapel of Apparition, and the square connecting them form a unified sacred space where the main pilgrimage celebrations take place.

Spiritual Experiences. Each year, from September 7 to 15, Šiluva becomes the spiritual heart of Lithuania during the Šilinės – the Great Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage tradition rooted in indulgence celebrations that began in the 15th century. This annual pilgrimage brings together thousands of pilgrims from Lithuania and abroad, offering a powerful experience of faith, history, and a living religious tradition.