It is one of the famous five Romanesque churches built in the Auvergne, in the early 12th Century. It possesses a unique collection of relics,the last one being a vermilion statue ofOur Lady, displayed in the basilica's choir. It is well known for the "Ascension Pilgrimage" when the Virgin Statue is carried up to the Virgin's grave on a hill, overlooking Orcival village. The procession is led by the Clermont-Ferrand Bishop and the statue is carried by men walking barefoot.