The Roman Catholic Church of St. Louis in Kraslava is a prominent representative of Baroque architecture. In 1755, architect Parakou from Italy started the construction of a stone church. Unfinished church (the Polish name of the Catholic Church) planned to make Inflyantii bishop's residence, but as in 1772 Latgale joined Russia, it did not happen. Construction of the church was completed in 1767. It was named in honor of King Louis, who was proclaimed a saint in 1297.

For the Church of St. Louis is characterized by turretless facade, crowning the high and wide fin. Grand double portal (entrance) stresses inherent to the picturesque baroque thought the idea of ​​triumph and apotheosis. In the Baroque period it was believed that evil is defeated Calvary victim, and a person experiences great joy, tasting the fruits of salvation. At the entrance to the church is feeling even more increases. This is facilitated by the high vault of the central nave, pilasters and columns, prompting visitors to fasten his gaze upward, causing elation and engender thoughts of the high destiny of man. This celebration can be seen in the altar, executed in a manner that is characteristic of the great Italian masters of the Baroque Pozzo and Bernini. Altar is striking for its size, composition majesty and generosity colored material.

In a semicircle arch you can see paintings depicting a kneeling figure of King Louis IX, created in 1884, the great Polish artist Ya.Mateyko "St. Louis goes on a crusade." For hidden fresco painting by the Italian artist Gastoldi, which originally adorned the altar. It depicts King Louis IX in military armor, seated on the throne. The walls of the cathedral were decorated with frescoes. Over time, they crumbled. Then it was decided to order the altarpiece.

In the gallery you can see two pictures of the 60s of the XVIII century. This image founders and the founding of the temple Constantine Ludwig Plater and his wife Augusta Plater (nee Oginskaya). Creator of portraits - the artist from Italy Filippo Kastadi who worked in Poland. It is famous as the author of the mural painting of the church of St. Louis.

In 1986, the choir of the church established a new body, which has replaced the burned body in the Great Patriotic War.

Telling of the Catholic Church of St. Louis and its importance, should be given special attention to the relics of the martyr St. Donat, attracting pilgrims and makes Kraslava second most important place of pilgrimage in Latvia after Aglona. With the mediation of Pope Pius VI in 1790, it was approved by the feast of St. Donat with a full absolution, which is celebrated on the first Sunday after the day of Saint Peter.

Because of the influx of large numbers of people wishing to visit the Church of St. Louis the day of St. Donat, there is a need to build a separate chapel. In its construction funds were donated by Countess Augusta Plater. The chapel was installed in the eastern part of the church. In the summer of 1941, when the Red Army was retreating, the local atheists set fire to the church. It was destroyed the altar of St. Donatus and the body, but through the efforts of members of the community, in the chapel of the fire was extinguished, thus managed to save the main altar of the church with a special altarpiece.

The spacious courtyard of the church is surrounded by majestic trees. The yard has long been turned into a park in the quiet where you can relax, think about his, watching the sun's rays illuminate the rest performed by the figure of the Virgin.

The Roman Catholic Church of St. Louis in Kraslava - magnificent building, striking in its powerful and beautiful, and certainly deserves the attention of tourists and visitors.