Inspired by the European cathedrals of Amiens and Cologne, its plans were drawn by architect Ernesto Meyer under the direction of city planner Pedro Benoit.
The cornerstone was laid in 1884, and it was consecrated as the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de los Dolores in 1902.
The parish church, which continued undergoing works, was designated a cathedral in 1932.
In the 1930s, fearing that the foundation was insufficient for the projected size and weight of the structure, workers halted construction.
The 1990s plan included the following: Once the brickwork was restored and completed, the decision was made to leave the exterior undressed.