On the peninsula of Trakai, surrounded by lakes, stands the Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This grand church, comparable in scale and grandeur to the Trakai Island Castle, was consecrated as a basilica in 2017—a title given only to places of worship of special significance. There are eight basilicas in Lithuania: the Vilnius Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus, the Kaunas Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul and the Basilica of the Resurrection of Christ, the Šiluva Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Krekenava Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Marijampolė Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, the Žemaičių Kalvarija Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Trakai Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Globally, around 2,000 churches are designated as basilicas. Founded by Vytautas the Great in the 15th century, the church is an irregular rectangular shape, harmoniously blending Gothic and Baroque features. Fragments of frescoes revealed on the church's walls recall the Byzantine style used in the Trakai Island Castle. The basilica houses a rich collection of sacred and artistic treasures: easel paintings, memorial monuments, various reliquaries, chalices, 18th-century candlesticks, and an eternal flame lamp, among others. Notably, the image of the Mother of God, known for its miracles and graces, holds special significance. This painting, crowned with golden crowns by Pope Clement XI during the Grand Duchy of Lithuania era, was granted the title of "Protector of the Sick." Interestingly, the painting has long been revered by Catholic, Orthodox, and Muslim religious communities. From September 1, 2017, to September 8, 2018, the Trakai Basilica celebrates the jubilee of the famous basilica painting's coronation, marking 2018 as the Year of the Mother of God of Trakai—the Patroness of Lithuania. The new basilica bells, consecrated in 2017, solemnly announce the festive year. The Trakai sanctuary attracts numerous believers not only from Lithuania. The annual Assumption Day and Trakinių indulgences draw pilgrims from neighboring and distant countries. During the indulgences, pilgrims participate in a procession from the Gates of Dawn in Vilnius to the Trakai Basilica—a journey of nearly 30 kilometers! Trakai Basilica The spiritual center of the city of Trakai—the Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary—has a unique history. It was never closed, handed over to another denomination, or used for non-religious purposes. This church is not only a unique monument of faith and Lithuanian cultural history. The highly esteemed basilica title was granted according to specific criteria set out in the Domus Ecclesiae, the decree on the order of divine worship and the sacraments. These criteria apply to both the building and the living Church, i.e., the community of believers gathered there. It highlights the church's exceptional historical significance to the state or region, the solemnity of the building, and the community's active faith and charitable works. Moreover, the basilica title emphasizes a special connection to the Pope. For six centuries, the miraculous image of the Mother of God has hung in the main altar of the Trakai Basilica, crowned by Pope Clement XI 300 years ago. A notable monument to Pope John Paul II was also consecrated in the basilica courtyard in 2015. The title of the

basilica obliges it to set an example for other churches with its active community life, pastoral care, and solemn liturgical ceremonies. Basilicas introduce papal documents and attract pilgrims and those seeking spirituality. Daily Mass is held at the Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in both Lithuanian and Polish. Image of the Mother of God Before receiving papal recognition, the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her Child was already renowned throughout the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Since the early 17th century, ex-votos—gifts expressing gratitude for received miraculous graces—were hung beside the painting, such as small heart-shaped items made of precious metals or necklaces. Currently, there are nearly 400 ex-votos attributed to the image of the Mother of God! The original Gothic-style painting from the 15th century holds significant historical importance. Inscribed on the back is the note that it was a gift from Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos to Grand Duke Vytautas the Great upon his baptism. The inscription also identifies it as the Mother of God Nikopoia, meaning "Victorious" in Greek. It is believed that in the early 12th century, Nikopoia helped the emperor break the Persian siege and return to Constantinople, making the Byzantine emperors consider this Madonna their personal and city's guardian. The miraculous painting, hanging in the main altar of the Trakai Basilica, has been repainted over the centuries. Restoration studies showed that the earlier image of Mary was Gothic in style, depicting her standing, unveiled, perhaps with a rose crown on her head. The painting likely seemed too large for the new altar, so its lower part was cut off, the background was re-engraved and re-gilded, and Mary's figure was repainted in Byzantine style. The luxurious crown that once adorned the painting now hangs above it. The image of Mary with the Child is adorned with gilded, embossed silver plates and the golden crowns donated by the Pope. The fine carving on the painting, dating from the 15th-16th century, was also scraped and re-engraved. Bells In 2017, on the occasion of the consecration of the grand basilica altar, new bells were solemnly consecrated. They were cast at the renowned Krušewski brothers' foundry in Węgrów, Poland. The largest bell, weighing 700 kg, is dedicated to the Mother of God of Trakai—the Patroness of Lithuania. The second, slightly smaller bell commemorates the 100th anniversary of the restoration of the Lithuanian state. The Jubilee Year 2017–2018 The period from September 1, 2017, to September 8, 2018, marks a special year. The Pope-crowned Trakai Basilica celebrates the 300th anniversary of the coronation of the image of the Mother of God. Additionally, it marks the 100th anniversary of the restoration of the Lithuanian state. The Lithuanian bishops and the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania declared 2018 the Year of the Mother of God of Trakai—the Patroness of Lithuania. The new basilica bells solemnly announce this news. The importance of the image of the Mother of God of Trakai in Lithuanian history is undeniable. The jubilee year is celebrated with sacred and cultural events: an international Mariological congress, thematic lectures, conferences, and monthly gatherings for Prayer for the City and the Homeland, during which peace and prosperity are sought for the people of Lithuania and the entire world. The basilica is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.