Since 1966, it took the name of Cathedral for being the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Maldonado-Punta del Este,[1] founded by S.S. Paul VI on January 10, 1966.

The construction of the present Neoclassical building was started in 1801, but the English Invasions 1806,[3] interrupted the works, a delay that caused completion of the cathedral to take almost a century.

The magnificent High Altar is the work of Antonio Veiga, who also received two awards during the continental exhibition held in Buenos Aires in 1882.

The Marquess of Comillas, owner of the damaged steamer, saved it from the shipwreck and donated the now respected image.

The image was reproduced as the "City of Santander" by Uruguayan painter Carlos María de Santiago.