The Catholic Pilgrim's Guide to Trakai, Lithuania

Trakai hosts the miraculous Trakai Mother of God icon, crowned by Pope Clement XI in 1718—the first Marian image in Lithuania so honored.

Nestled on a slender peninsula between two glacial lakes, Trakai rises like a vision from the mists of Lithuanian history. This ancient ducal capital, where Grand Duke Vytautas the Great once held court in his island fortress, became a center of Marian devotion so powerful that the "Christian Horace" himself, the great Latin poet Maciej Kazimierz Sarbiewski, immortalized its pilgrim paths in verse. Here, where Gothic brick meets Baroque splendor, the miraculous icon of the Trakai Mother of God has drawn the faithful for over four centuries—the first image of Mary in Lithuania to receive papal crowns. The church of Trakai holds a distinction unique in Lithuanian history: it has never been closed, never served another faith, never been repurposed. Through centuries of upheaval, the basilica remained what Vytautas intended when he founded it in 1409—a house of prayer where the Blessed Virgin receives her children. Today's pilgrims walk the same 28-kilometer path from Vilnius that Jesuit-organized processions have traced since the early 17th century, a living tradition that Sarbiewski captured in his celebrated cycle of pilgrimage poetry. The basilica received its elevated status in 2017, becoming one of only eight basilicas in Lithuania.

📜 History & Spiritual Significance

The story of Trakai as a pilgrimage destination begins with Grand Duke Vytautas himself. In 1409, while constructing his magnificent island castle on Lake Galvė, Vytautas founded a parish church on the nearby peninsula, dedicating it to the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary—that Gospel moment when Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth and proclaimed the Magnificat. According to cherished tradition, the Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos sent Vytautas a precious icon of the Theotokos Nikopeia ("Mother of God, Bearer of Victory") to commemorate his baptism. This "Victorious" image, which had protected Byzantine emperors and Constantinople itself, would become the spiritual heart of Trakai. The icon's fame as a source of miraculous graces spread throughout the Grand Duchy during the early 17th century. In 1603, when plague ravaged Lithuania, Bishop Benediktas Voina organized a penitential pilgrimage from Vilnius to pray before the image—the first recorded pilgrimage to Trakai. He led the procession barefoot, and the faithful followed. The plague receded, and word of the Virgin's intercession spread. In 1622, following the Christian victory over the Ottoman forces at the Battle of Khotyn, the Jesuits of Vilnius Academy organized a magnificent thanksgiving procession to Trakai. Among those participating was Maciej Kazimierz Sarbiewski (Sarbievius), Europe's most celebrated Latin poet, who would immortalize this pilgrimage in his Quattuor leucae Virginis Matris ("The Four Leagues of the Virgin Mother"). This cycle of four Sapphic epodes, each marking one league of the journey, weaves together the ancient hymn Ave Maris Stella, the Litany of Loreto, imagery from the Song of Songs, and a portrait of Vytautas as a Christian monarch under Mary's protection. Sarbiewski presented Vilnius and Trakai as a locus sanctus—holy ground where heaven touches earth. The processions he described became an annual tradition that continues to this day. The image's reputation grew throughout the century. Chancellor Leonas Sapiega donated an exquisite golden crown around 1630. Dean Simonas Mankevičius published a History of the Parish Church of Trakai documenting the graces received through Mary's intercession. The Jesuit historian Albertas Vijukas-Kojalavičius included Trakai among the "most famous places of the Grand Duchy, renowned for special grace of miraculous power." On September 4, 1718, the Trakai Mother of God received the singular honor of papal coronation—the first Marian image in Lithuania to be officially crowned by the Holy See. Pope Clement XI sent Bishop Konstanty Kazimierz Brzostowski to perform the ceremony, and the image received the title "Intercessor of the Afflicted" (Advocata Afflictorum). The golden papal crowns, which still adorn the icon, mark Trakai as Lithuania's premier Marian pilgrimage destination of the Baroque era. Remarkably, the icon is venerated not only by Catholics but also by Orthodox Christians and the local Karaite Muslim community—a testimony to Mary's universal appeal as a mother who excludes no one from her care. In 2018, to mark the 300th anniversary of the coronation, Lithuania was consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Patroness of Lithuania, in a ceremony held at the basilica.

☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Trakai

Trakai's peninsula rises between Lake Galvė and Lake Totoriškių, its profile dominated by the basilica's Gothic brick tower. The pilgrimage landscape encompasses the basilica itself, several small devotional sites, and the broader setting of lakes and castle that make Trakai one of Lithuania's most visually striking destinations.

Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Lithuanian: Trakų Švč. Mergelės Marijos Apsilankymo bazilika Address: Birutės g. 5, Trakai 21104, Lithuania GPS Coordinates: 54.6427617, 24.9341206 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: trakubazilika.lt Dedication: Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Architectural Heritage: The basilica displays an unusual harmony of Gothic and Baroque elements. Vytautas's original 15th-century structure was built in the brick Gothic style characteristic of the Baltic region, possibly by the same craftsmen who constructed the island castle. The irregular floor plan reflects medieval building practices. Major Baroque renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries added the present great altar, ornate plasterwork, and decorative elements, while preserving the Gothic bones of the building. In 2006, restorers discovered remarkable Byzantine-style frescoes on the interior walls, dating to the 15th century. These paintings, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, suggest that Vytautas brought artists familiar with Eastern iconographic traditions to decorate his church—perhaps reflecting his own grandfather's Orthodox faith. The Miraculous Icon: The Trakai Mother of God dominates the Baroque high altar. The image depicts Mary in the Byzantine Hodegetria ("She who shows the Way") style: the Virgin gestures toward the Christ Child seated on her lap, who raises his hand in blessing. Research has revealed that the original Gothic painting showed Mary standing full-length with a crown of roses; the icon was trimmed and repainted in Byzantine style when the new altar was installed around 1600. The golden rims, the papal crowns hung above the image, and the surrounding silver ex-voto offerings testify to centuries of answered prayers. Over 400 votive offerings (milagros) surround the icon—silver hearts, hands, eyes, and figures given by the faithful in thanksgiving for healings and graces received. These tangible testimonies create a powerful visual statement of the Trakai Mother of God's ongoing intercessory role. Treasury: The basilica preserves a remarkable collection of sacred art: a Gothic silver pax with the Crucified Christ and symbols of the four Evangelists, likely made by Prussian goldsmiths in the early 16th century; 18th-century candlesticks and a sanctuary lamp; and the original silver revetments of the miraculous icon.

Chapel of St. John Nepomuk

Lithuanian: Šv. Jono Nepomuko koplytstulpis Location: Roadside pillar near the basilica, Trakai Historical Note: A distinctive roadside pillar (koplytstulpis) dedicated to St. John Nepomuk, patron saint of bridges and those in danger of drowning—an apt protector for a town surrounded by lakes. The current statue, by Vilnius sculptor Stanisław Horn-Popławski, dates from 1935 and replaced earlier figures. During the atheist period, the statue was thrown into the lake by authorities but was recovered by museum workers and returned to its place in 1990.

Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Lithuanian: Trakų Švč. Mergelės Marijos Gimimo stačiatikių cerkvė Address: Vytauto g. / Maironio g. intersection, Trakai A small Orthodox church built in 1863, standing on one of the peninsula's hills. The church serves the Russian Orthodox community and demonstrates the multi-confessional character of historic Trakai, where Catholic, Orthodox, and Karaite communities have coexisted for centuries.

Trakai Island Castle

Lithuanian: Trakų salos pilis Address: Lake Galvė, Trakai GPS Coordinates: 54.6524, 24.9333 While not a pilgrimage site per se, the island castle built by Vytautas provides essential context for understanding Trakai's spiritual significance. The same Grand Duke who constructed this fairy-tale fortress also founded the basilica and brought the miraculous icon. Pilgrims often visit both sites, contemplating how Vytautas united temporal and spiritual power in service of his people.

🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations

August 15 – Feast of the Assumption (Žolinės) Basilica of the Visitation. The summer indulgence feast draws pilgrims from across Lithuania. The miraculous icon is carried in a solemn procession through Trakai's streets, accompanied by scattered flowers, processional banners, and hymns. Herbs, flowers, grains, and vegetables are blessed during Mass—a custom connecting the harvest to Mary's Assumption into heaven. The festivities extend to the nearby "Cabbage Fair" on the Karaite island, blending sacred celebration with local tradition. September 5–11 – Trakinės (Feast of the Nativity of Mary) Basilica of the Visitation. The annual "Trakinės" feast commemorates both Mary's birth (September 8) and the anniversary of the icon's papal coronation (September 4). Pilgrims walk approximately 30 kilometers from the Gate of Dawn in Vilnius to Trakai—the same route the Jesuits established in the 17th century and that Sarbiewski immortalized in verse. Young people from the Vilnius Archdiocese Youth Centre have revived this tradition, walking in groups with colorful banners, singing hymns, and giving witness to their faith.

🛏️ Where to Stay

Apvalaus Stalo Klubas ⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Address: Karaimų g. 53A, Trakai 21104, Lithuania 🌐 Website: apvalausstaloklubas.lt 🔗 Booking: Book on Booking.com Charming lakeside hotel with views of the island castle, traditional Lithuanian cuisine, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Walking distance to the basilica. Hotel & Spa & Conference TRASALIS 📍 Address: Gedimino g. 26, Trakai 21116, Lithuania 🌐 Website: trasalis.lt 🔗 Booking: Book on Booking.com Larger resort hotel with spa facilities, ideal for pilgrims seeking rest and restoration after the long walk from Vilnius. Trakai Sport Centre (Youth Accommodation) 📍 Address: Karaimų g. 73, Trakai 21104, Lithuania Simple accommodations often used by youth pilgrimage groups, particularly during the Trakinės feast. Pilgrim accommodations in Vilnius are also convenient, as many pilgrims stay in the capital and walk to Trakai for the day or as part of the traditional pilgrimage.

🚗 Getting There

From Vilnius (28 km):

  • By bus: Direct buses depart from Vilnius Bus Station every 15–30 minutes; journey takes approximately 40 minutes
  • By train: Trains run from Vilnius Railway Station to Trakai; the station is a pleasant 2 km walk from the town center
  • By car: Follow the A4 highway southwest from Vilnius; parking available near the castle and town center
  • Traditional pilgrimage route: The 28-kilometer walk from the Gate of Dawn in Vilnius follows the path traced by Sarbiewski's 17th-century procession. Youth groups and organized pilgrimages typically walk this route in 7–8 hours

From Kaunas (100 km): Take the A1/E85 highway east toward Vilnius, then turn south on A4 toward Trakai. Vilnius International Airport is approximately 35 km from Trakai.

📚 Further Reading

Books:

  • Krzysztof Fordoński and Piotr Urbański (eds.), Casimir Britannicus: English Translations, Paraphrases, and Emulations of the Poetry of Maciej Kazimierz Sarbiewski (Modern Humanities Research Association, 2010) – The definitive collection of English translations of Sarbiewski's poetry, including scholarly analysis of his Trakai pilgrimage cycle.
  • Kevin Perrotta, Pilgrimage Sites of John Paul II – Includes Lithuania's pilgrimage route and the significance of Trakai.
  • Priest Robertas Gedvydas Skrinskas, Pilgrimage Sites of Lithuania (1999, in Lithuanian) – Comprehensive guide documenting miraculous images and apparition sites across Lithuania.

Articles & Online Resources:

  • The Image of Our Lady in the Church of Trakai – Orbis Lituaniae's detailed history of the miraculous icon.
  • Ona Daukšienė, "Švč. Mergelės Marijos vaizdavimas LDK XVII a. poezijoje: M. K. Sarbievijaus 'Keturios Mergelės Motinos mylios'" (Lituanistika) – Academic analysis of Sarbiewski's Trakai pilgrimage poetry (in Lithuanian).
  • Sacred Sites in Lithuania – Lithuania Travel's overview of the country's major pilgrimage destinations.

🎥 Recommended Videos

🔗 Useful Links

🪶 Closing Reflection

"Salve, mater misericordiae, vita, dulcedo et spes nostra, salve."
(Hail, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope, hail.)

— From the Salve Regina, sung by pilgrims approaching Trakai

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Note on Sarbiewski's Pilgrimage Poetry: Maciej Kazimierz Sarbiewski's Quattuor leucae Virginis Matris seu publica ac solemnis ad aedem Divae Virginis Matris Trocensem processio ("The Four Leagues of the Virgin Mother, or the Public and Solemn Procession to the Church of the Divine Virgin Mother in Trakai"), written in 1622, stands as one of the earliest and most beautiful literary testimonies to pilgrimage in Lithuania. Each of the four Sapphic epodes marks one league (approximately 4–5 kilometers) of the journey from Vilnius. The first epode paraphrases the medieval hymn Ave Maris Stella; the second draws imagery from the Litany of Loreto; the third presents Grand Duke Vytautas as a Christian monarch under Mary's patronage; and the fourth weaves symbols from the Song of Songs. Together, they present the pilgrim path as a gradual approach to holiness, with Mary's sanctuary at Trakai as the journey's blessed destination.

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Please verify current opening hours and service schedules before visiting. Contact the basilica or the Trakai Tourism Information Centre for the most up-to-date information.