A Franciscan chapel was built in this location in 1636, when a permit was conferred by Governor Francisco Núñez Melián, enacted from his home in Puerto Rico. The 1812 earthquake reduced the building to rubble. In 1865, construction of a new building was completed. Venezuela's 1950 earthquake, which was felt in Barquisimeto, lead to significant destruction within the chapel. As a result, the building was demolished, leaving only the bell tower (1865) and clock (1888). The construction of the present church building began in 1953 to a design of the architect Jahn Bergkamp. It features four naves and is considered an expression of modern art. Every year on January 14, the Divina Pastora returns to the cathedral. It was vandalized in 2014.