It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Almería.

The cathedral was built in the 16th century after an earthquake destroyed its predecessor.

It employs Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles as well as incorporating defensive features.

[2] It is protected by the heritage listing Bien de Interés Cultural, having been declared as a Monumento histórico-artístico perteneciente al Tesoro Artístico Nacional by the decree of the June 3, 1931.

[3] On March 21, 1969, the cathedral was used as a location for the American film Patton.