On the Suyapa hillside, the huge Gothic Basílica de Suyapa dominates the landscape. La Virgen de Suyapa is the patron saint of Honduras and all of Central America. The construction of the basilica, which is famous for its large, brilliant stained-glass windows, began in 1954 - finishing touches are still being added.

La Virgen de Suyapa, who is believed by many to have performed hundreds of miracles, is a tiny wooden statue, measuring only 6cm (2.4in). She is brought to the large basilica on holidays, especially for the annual Feria de la Virgen de Suyapa beginning on the saint's day (February 2) and continuing for a week; the celebrations attract pilgrims from all over Central America.

Most of the time, however, the little statue is kept on the altar of the very simple Iglesia de Suyapa (you'll see her if you squint). Built between the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, the church stands behind the impressive basilica.