Latgale is that region of Latvia that is encompassed by River Daugava from one and the Federation of Russia from the other side, towards the south bordering with Lithuania and Byelorussia. The region’s administrative centre Daugavpils is the second largest city in Latvia (with 120 200 inhabitants), but the city of Rezekne is considered to be the heart and soul of Latgale. Latgale is very different from the other three historic regions of Latvia; it applies both to the region’s natural scenery and the dialect and identity of locals. Latgale is being called the land of blue lakes and justly so—lakes can be spotted almost everywhere, sometimes openly facing the roads, at other times hiding in between forests. Latvia’s biggest lake Lubans (82.1 km2) and the Baltic States’ deepest lake Dridzis (63 m deep) both are located in Latgale. Due to historic and geopolitical reasons, Latgale is also the country’s centre of Catholicism with the city of Aglona as its most iconic and symbolic location. Every year on 15th of August more than 200 000 pilgrims from all over the world arrive in Aglona to celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1993 Pope John Paul II visited Aglona and held a Mass. The importance of religion can be felt all over Latgale with its white crucifixes at crossroads and frequently visible church spires. A fact to be noted is that Latgale has the most famous ceramic art of Latvia—jugs, mugs, pots, vases and candlesticks, usually coloured in warm shades and covered by shiny enamel. Almost all of Latgale’s ceramic items are produced according to the ancient Latvian methods of pottery.