The Peñafrancia Basilica is the home of Naga City's most important religious icon — the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, venerated since 1710 and the focus of one of the largest annual Catholic gatherings in Asia. The basilica stands on the east bank of the Naga River, and its facade and tower are visible from much of the city. Inside, the main altar housing the image is elaborately decorated, and the basilica is a place of constant prayer and devotion throughout the year.
The image is small and unimposing by itself — a 30-centimetre statue in ornate ceremonial dress — but the fervour it inspires is enormous. During the September festival, the image is carried from the basilica to the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in a solemn procession, then returned nine days later by fluvial procession on the Naga River, with thousands of devotees swimming alongside or following in boats. The basilica is freely open for visits throughout the year; during festival season the site becomes genuinely overwhelming in scale.